Avenir Properties, of Harrogate, has started the £3 million development of Orchard Gardens, a complex of 18 modern one and two bedroom apartments, situated on Eastmoor Road, near College Grove.

The complete transformation of a pair of dilapidated and partially burned-out houses is the first Wakefield project the company has embarked on, believing the city has a lot to offer their suburban living ethos.

Avenir Properties sales manager Amanda Brayshaw said: “The Eastmoor Road site had fallen into massive disrepair, but with its prime location was crying out to be developed.

“With our plans to create a modern complex with high visual appeal from the exterior as well as interior, the development will totally transform the area, and make it a more attractive place for existing residents as well as new-comers.And with all the other major development work surrounding Orchard Gardens, especially the modernisation of Pinderfields Hospital, I can see this area becoming highly sought after.”

With work now underway, Orchard Gardens is planned to be completed by September 2008.

The building work is being carried out by Opel Construction, which has partnered Avenir on a number of previous developments around Yorkshire.