FOR DECADES it has been a sad derelict building, overlooking the busy rail platforms of Huddersfield train station.

Now, the former St George’s Warehouse is on track to become one of the town’s biggest office developments.

The new £21.5m St George’s Quarter is almost three years from completion.

But already the previously dilapidated Grade-II listed building – which hasn’t been in use since the 1970s – is taking shape to offer some 160,000 square feet of office space over five floors.

Restoring the huge historical warehouse – big enough to house a football pitch on every floor – has been no easy task.

Developers HD1 – who bought the Victorian site in 2001 but put the work on hold because of the recession – have already sandblasted the original red brickwork.

The exterior walls have also been treated with varnish to make sure the strong colour stands the test of time.

A new entrance off New North Parade has also been developed, replacing the old wooded doors to the warehouse.

Now, work is going on to renovate the cast iron window frames, put in when the warehouse was built in 1883 by London and North Western Railway.

Around 300 windows – each consisting of dozens of glass panes – are being lovingly restored by experts, costing a whopping £500,000.

Next, work will begin to construct a glass atrium through the middle of the warehouse to increase the natural light.

And by June, contractors are expected to move in to start constructing the concrete floors and internal walls.

Then, lighting and electrical work will be able to begin.

Development manager Kerry Barrett said: “It really is an iconic building. To bring a modern office space environment into a grade-II listed building was an ideal opportunity. We have had to work around agreements and solutions and reach a happy medium.

“There has been a lot of work behind the scenes with planners and designers.

“But we seem to have struck a happy balance.”

All original features from the former goods warehouse have been restored and included in the redevelopment.

From exposed brickwork and wooden railway sleeper window-sills to the original warehouse hoists, they will all be preserved to mark the building’s significant past.

The third floor – which leads on to New North Parade – will be first to be completed as part of the plan.

Environment advisors Yorkshire Energy Services have already signed up and moved in to occupy office space there.

Developers are still remaining tight-lipped about other potential tenants, but they suggested talks were ongoing with big-name companies looking for new business bases.

Kerry added: “Enquiries are ongoing through our agents but we hope that we can find somebody who is perhaps looking at centralisation or who is considering moving from another area.

“We have already had enquiries from companies looking at relocating from Leeds to save money.

“This is a great location and it is so near to the train network.”

A 400-space car park – off Fitzwilliam Street – is also being developed as part of the scheme.