Plans approved for 2,500 new homes and commercial quarter in city centre

Plans have been approved to redevelop a York city centre brownfield site into a new residential, cultural and commercial space.

York Central comprises 2,500 new homes and a commercial quarter creating up to 6,500 jobs, adding over £1.16bn to the city’s GVA.

The outline planning application for York Central was given the go-ahead by the council’s planning committee this evening.

A spokesperson for York Central Partnership said: “This is a huge moment for a project. York Central represents the biggest opportunity to transform York in generations, and the Council’s decision today marks a huge step forward in bringing much needed homes and jobs into the city.

“We now look forward to working with our partners to bring forward the first phase and getting on site to deliver real change on the ground so the people of York can benefit from York Central as soon as possible.”

The York Central Partnership (YCP) members, Homes England, Network Rail, National Railway Museum and City of York Council, have been working for the past four years on a £155m funding package for infrastructure works to unlock the brownfield land.

As majority landowners, Homes England and Network Rail will act as master developers for the site.

Covering 45 hectares of brownfield land, the scheme will enable the expansion of the National Railway Museum and also improve cycling and pedestrian access; create space for new hotels, the country’s first railway park, and a new entrance to the railway station.

Councillor Ian Gillies, leader of City of York Council, said: “This is a massive boost for York and the whole region, and will help to make sure the city remains a fantastic place to live and work. It will deliver a range of homes the city needs, including 500 at affordable rates, and the grade A commercial space to attract a new generation of higher value employers to the city.”

Councillor Keith Aspden, deputy leader of City of York Council, added: “York Central has been talked about for decades, so we’re proud of the role we’ve played in the partnership which is making it happen. This development is of national significance, but we’ve got to this point because of our commitment to listen to residents and make this opportunity work for everyone in the city.”

The project will be overseen by a Strategic Board, chaired by Dame Mary Archer, Chair of the Science Museum Group. Board members include Sir Edward Lister, Chairman of Homes England, Sir Peter Hendy, Chairman of Network Rail, Councillor Gillies, the Leader of City of York Council and Councillor Aspden, Deputy Leader of City.

The next stage of the application will be the submission for the first phase of infrastructure by the council in summer 2019.

Work is expected to start on site in late 2019, with the construction of housing and offices in 2020 with delivery anticipated to last for 15 years.