The next phase of development of new offices at the fast growing Monks Cross North business park on the York outer ring road has been given the go-ahead, following a unanimous decision at a recent York planning meeting. Property development syndicate, the Monks Cross Partnership, unveiled an artist's impression of Sigma, a 39,000sq ft speculative development of up to six offices, built as three individual office buildings around a central courtyard with car parking. High demand for office space at Monks Cross North saw the previous phase - Omega - sell off plan to commercial buy-to-let investors and owner managers, including The Helmsley Group who moved to Monks Cross North last summer from previous offices in Pocklington. Just 7,250sq ft remains within the Alpha scheme. Richard Peak, director of York-based property development and investment company The Helmsley Group and spokesperson for the Monks Cross Partnership, says: "Our original intention was to build Sigma in two phases but the popularity of the Alpha and Omega schemes has prompted us to progress Sigma more quickly. We are in the final stages of negotiation with three potential occupiers who have all expressed interest in moving to this well-planned, modern business park, with an ideal location in terms of transport and amenities." Monks Cross North lies adjacent to the Monks Cross Shopping Park with the Park & Ride, and enjoys easy access to the A1036 ring road and A64, which leads to the A1(M). The o7 million Sigma office development will be located next to the existing purpose-built Norwich Union Life head office premises, home to up to 900 staff. Other businesses located at Monks Cross North include Business Link York & North Yorkshire, accountancy firm Garbutt & Elliott and Scarborough Property Group. Work will start on site at Sigma in the Spring and the scheme is due for completion by early 2008.