The Harrogate-based firm, which has a portfolio of more than 20 business parks across the north of England, will shortly be submitting a planning application for the 2.4-acre Clifton Moor site to City of York Council.

Marrtree Investments, which purchased the site from London property investment firm New River, said it is taking a flexible approach to the development of the land.

William Marshall, director of Marrtree Investments, inset, said: “We are clear that, subject to obtaining a satisfactory planning outcome on this site, the development will consist of very high quality business units that York can be proud of, and we’re looking forward to engaging with City of York planners to ensure the development will be of significant benefit to the city.

“This Clifton Moor site offers us a significant opportunity to develop the modern high-spec accommodation that is synonymous with Marrtree developments, and of which the York market is in short supply.”

In February the business completed the first, £3m, phase of a £5.5m Marrtree Business Park at Sowerby Gateway, the new 85-acre, 950-home development near Thirsk, North US.

The 40,000 ft first phase has tenants, including Screwfix and Toolstation, signed up for nine of the 15 units and is expected to create 80 jobs when it is fully let.

Phase two, consisting of 30,000 sq ft, is currently under consideration by planners at Hambleton District Council.

Fellow Marrtree Investments director George Marshall said: “As a business we are all about creating employment hubs in the north of England, providing the kind of modern and high-quality space that people actively want to work in.

“Accessibility is also crucial and Clifton Moor is well located for road links, with dualling and other improvements planned for the outer ring road in the next couple of years.”

He added: “As we emerge from the challenges of the pandemic and look to the future, it’s more important than ever that we ensure our new developments have longevity and create a built environment everyone can be proud of.

“That is what we plan to do here at Clifton Moor.”

Founded in Bradford in the 1940s, and now run by the third-generation brothers William and George Marshall, the Marrtree Group of companies has operated for over 80 years.

Marrtree is a residential and commercial property investor and developer with a countrywide portfolio totalling in excess of 600,000 sq ft It also has interests in quarrying and forestry.