A MODERN office development recently completed on the outskirts of Worcester stands in the grounds of a former 17th Century Manor House.

Attwood House, at Perdiswell Park, Perdiswell, has been completed to a high specification with raised floors and air conditioning.

It stands in what were the grounds of Perdiswell Hall, which was built in 1787 as part of a general refurbishment and landscaping of the Perdiswell Estate.

The land was sold to the city in 1932 and used for an airport during the war. In 1956, the hall was gutted by fire and its ruins completely demolished in 1959.

Attwood House has been designed to blend sympathetically with its historicl surroundings, and even makes use of the Manor House's walled gardens, which still remain.

Designed by Worcester architects Glazzard Associates, it enjoys views across Perdiswell Golf Course.

"Perdiswell Park has been delightfully transformed in the last few years into a new prestigious office development," said Vanessa Brothwell, project architect with Glazzard Associates.

"Unlike the mainstream projects that are currently dominating industrial parks, Perdiswell Park accommodates a scheme that delicately addresses the site and surroundings, whilst creating a modern, distinctive environment that oozes quality."

The building offers a total of 13,000sq ft (1,200sq m) of space with individual floors of about 4,000sq ft (370sq m).

Emphasis has also been placed on security and car parking provision.

Attwood House is being marketed by local developer, Misters Brothers Ltd, of Kempsey.

Since the completion of Attwood House, Misters Brothers Ltd are actively seeking pre-lets for phase two of the development that will provide a further 25,000sq ft of office accommodation over two buildings.

Dan Riches, from GVA Grimley, in Birmingham, who advised on the development, said Perdiswell Park provided office accommodation in a secure, landscaped setting in a very accessible location.

"It has the added advantage of access to public transport, being situated immediately adjacent to the Worcester Park and Ride scheme," he said.

"Attwood House is likely to appeal to businesses seeking a premium working environment without the constraints of a congested city centre location."