ALMOST 13 years after York’s landmark Bonding Warehouse was closed by disastrous flooding, work is finally due to start on Tuesday on a major redevelopment project.

York developer Grantside Limited plans to create four “magnificent” apartments on the upper levels of the 19th century riverside building near Skeldergate Bridge.

On the lower levels, there will be office suites, along with the potential for a restaurant, and “robust flood defences measures” will be installed, said development director Peter Callaghan.

The project, to be carried out by the York office of Lindum Group Limited, is programmed to be ready for occupation by next June.

Mr Callaghan said he was delighted to start the development in the firm’s home city. He said: “A lot of support for our proposals has been received and the comments from local residents during the consultation process are much appreciated.

“As expected, the project is not without its challenges, being a listed property and requiring flood defences, but we have solutions for these and the completed development will respect the heritage of this building, while creating modern business space and living accommodation that will enhance the York riverside.”

Neil Coote, business development manager for Lindum York, said: “This is a really good project for us. As a company, we have a wealth of experience and expertise working on heritage projects and listed buildings so we are relishing the opportunity to use our skills to help transform this high- profile building and bring it back into use.”

He added that Lindum aimed to use local trades wherever possible, which would support the local economy.

The Grade 11 listed building, last used as a pub, restaurant and music venue, has lain empty and boarded up since the River Ouse rose to record levels in November 2000 and inundated it.

Various plans to bring it back into occupation have been drawn up over the years, including a hotel and restaurant and a media arts centre, but these failed to come to fruition.