WORK is due to begin today on the £15m development to create 14 luxury homes and a restaurant at the site of York's old fire station.

The Clifford Street scheme, spearheaded by property developer The Helmsley Group, is expected to complete by Christmas next year.

Associate director Max Reeves said: “The new homes we’re building at the old fire station look set to create a new benchmark for residential values in York.

“Within easy walking distance of York’s shops and attractions, the homes will also boast views of the River Ouse to the south and of Clifford’s Tower to the north.

“We expect this amazing project to be completed in December 2018 and we’re anticipating strong interest from buyers as this kind of opportunity is so rare.”

Chris de Whytell, contracts manager at Caddick Construction, which is carrying out the work, added: “Residents can expect to see changes fairly quickly, as the first phase will include the partial demolition of the old fire station and the creation of a temporary structure to support the sections of the building that will be retained."