A FORMER farm complex on a North Yorkshire estate is being given a new lease of life as a haven for new and existing rural businesses.

Wykeham Business Centre is being developed by Rural Solutions on the Dawnay Estates at Wykeham, near Scarborough, and the scheme is due for completition next spring, says estate spokesman Emma Hepples.

Two names have been chosen for the development, Lora Courtyard and Langley House, both of which have close links with the Dawnay family and the estate, she said.

Two office units have already been let. "A number of other interested parties are coming forward as people see the development nearing completition,"said Ms Hepples.

However, work on the estate's second complex of workspace, at Farfield, a former sawmill, has been delayed due to problems with the costs and specifications she said. "The lowest tender is considerably higher than the budget."

Updated: 13:09 Monday, December 29, 2003