The joint venture partners behind the £2bn York Central regeneration scheme have submitted a planning application for the final part of the first phase of development.
The submission includes proposals for the first tranche of homes, commercial space and parkland within the development, as well as extensive public realm and a brand new western entrance to the railway station.
The initial phase of the city centre regeneration scheme will provide 999 mixed-tenure homes, 20% of which will be affordable, a 99,188 sq ft innovation hub, 69,255 sq ft of retail and leisure space and a 213-bedroom hotel.
The first phase to be delivered will also include the construction of a 134,678 sq ft government office building and Museum Square, both of which were granted reserved matters planning in 2024.
Tom Gilman, managing director of McLaren Regeneration, said: “This represents another important milestone in the planning and delivery process and demonstrates the continuing momentum of this exciting project. At a critical time for the nation’s economy – when the government is issuing a clarion call to ‘build, baby, build’ – we are moving full steam ahead to deliver essential new homes, work and leisure and establishing a new live-work-play community in one of the biggest milestones in my home city of York’s illustrious history. With York Central’s world-class connections, this is a great way to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the UK’s railways.”
Allan Cook, from Arlington Real Estate, added: “We’re on a mission to create the perfect city quarter for the people of York, we will deliver an exciting and extraordinary new place that everyone can enjoy. While York Central will undoubtedly attract new investment and audiences to this great northern city, we are committed to ensuring we deliver an inclusive place which feels very much part of York, that will appeal just as strongly to existing residents as newcomers, and where everyone will feel equally at home.”
Leon Guyett, director of regeneration partnerships (York), at Homes England, said: “This planning application marks a major milestone for York Central, showing how strategic government investment, over £135m to date, can unlock transformative regeneration. By funding essential infrastructure, we’ve enabled developer partners to bring forward proposals for 2,500 homes, including a proportion of affordable housing. York Central reflects our commitment to working with local authorities and the private sector to turn complex brownfield sites into vibrant new communities that people can be proud of.”
Stephen Hind, head of business development at Network Rail, added: “York Central is a great example of bringing the public and private sectors together to deliver an exceptional new neighbourhood. Having unlocked our rail-led land for this strategic site, we are proud to be partners having laid the foundations to get to this important milestone.”
Nab Speakes, managing director of 3DReid, which has designed the hotel and new station entrance, said: “The hotel sits on a key gateway site and has a strong presence within the masterplan and from the station. Our design combines classic railway architecture with cutting-edge hotel thinking. The Western Station Entrance will create a vibrant link between Coal Drops Square and the beautiful, historic city of York.”
