Helmsley Group’s plans for a mixed-use scheme next to the River Ouse in York city centre have been recommended for approval by City of York Council.
The council said that subject to the secretary of state not calling in parts of the application relating to listed buildings on the site, it should approve the masterplan for the Coney Street Riverside development.
The Coney Street Masterplan proposes the creation of 250,000 sq ft of retail, leisure, commercial and residential space, in addition to a riverside walkway and new public realm.
Situated in York’s Central Conservation Area, the site comprises four listed buildings and two buildings of merit, and is located close to a number of other listed buildings and buildings of importance.
Referring to the listed building elements of the application, the council’s report said that the public benefits brought by Coney Street Riverside would ensure heritage buildings would be put “to a use consistent with their conservation” and the benefits of the scheme “clearly outweigh” any potential harm.
Sarah Czarnecki, president of York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The chamber is highly supportive of the plans for Coney Street Riverside put forward by Helmsley Group and it is our firm view that they should be given the green light. Given the huge economic, social and historic benefits this will bring, we trust that elected officials on the planning committee will recognise the once in a generation opportunity the scheme will bring to York. Thanks to Helmsley Group, Coney Street looks set for a new and exciting chapter in its long and proud history.”
Max Reeves, development director at Helmsley Group, added: “It has been a long journey to get to this point, but we are now optimistic that we will be given the green light to move forward with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Having worked closely with key stakeholders in York over the past few years, we know that this development would not only be welcomed but is needed, and will bring significant benefits, including increased visitor numbers, vital public green space, job creation and boosted city centre spend. We are extremely grateful to everyone for their support.
“Coney Street Riverside will build on our long-held ambition to revitalise Coney Street and reconnect it with its riverfront, alongside creating a welcoming, family friendly offer and much-needed accommodation to meet student demand within the city. As a long-established York business, we are committed to creating this truly mixed-use, vibrant development that sensitively and sustainably redevelops historic Coney Street into the social heart of York.
“Coney Street Riverside will create a vibrant community with heritage at its heart. We are looking forward to creating a positive legacy for generations to come through first class public spaces, and architecture which ensures that the history and heritage of the area is not just recognised, but honoured and protected.”
Neil Brown, director of architects brown + company, said: “Our design re-establishes the primacy of Coney Street within York by creating small retail units, reflecting the historic shop sizes which are appropriate for today’s thriving independent retail offer. We have incorporated the existing site levels to create a new, welcoming, accessible public open space linking Coney Street and the river. This public open space reflects the historic water lanes that once connected Coney Street with the river and re-establishes one such historic lane.
“Accessibility for all is of paramount importance and the landscape design integrates leisure and public spaces to ensure that this space will be used by families, locals, visitors and leisure users alike. The proposed new buildings along the riverside and fronting the scheme’s Waterloo Place area will create two distinct, contemporary buildings which are designed to reflect the industrial heritage of the river and contribute positively to their important setting.”
The project team comprises O’Neill Associates, Corstorphine and Wright, Montagu Evans, Aspect4, Gillespies, Troup Bywaters & Anders, Billinghurst George & Partners, Jane Simpson Access, Knight Frank, DS Emotion and Aberfield Communications.
