Electrical contractor HQ to be transformed into residential development

THE council has given the go-ahead for a major residential development in York city centre.

An industrial unit on Percy’s Lane will be replaced with student accommodation which can house up to 106 students.

The site is currently home to electrical contractor and retailer Herbert Todd & Son, which will be moving to new premises at Monks Cross, where it will move early next year.

The City of York Council agreed to the development proposals brought by developers S Harrison. The building will contain a mixture of one, three, five and six bedroom apartments across the three and four storey buildings.

It will include a gym, common room and courtyard. Planning was granted earlier this year for a purpose-built retail unit, which will also be developed by S Harrison. The site will be completed by summer 2017.

Chris Hale from S Harrison, said: “We’re delighted to secure planning permission for the student apartments. In recent years there has been a lot of development on Percy’s Lane, and this site is one of the last pieces of the jigsaw, so the new building has been specifically designed to enhance the local streetscape and complement its surroundings.

“Over the last decade both the University of York and York St John University have grown at a rapid rate and as the city’s student population increases, these type of purpose built student accommodation schemes play a vital role in reducing demand for York’s housing stock. It’s also extremely positive news for Herbert Todd & Son, and it’s great to see such a longstanding York based business preparing to embark on a new chapter in its life.”

Percy Lane, York

Illustration of Percy’s Lane student accommodation from S Harrison

David Todd from Herbert Todd & Son, which was founded in York in 1936, says: “We have established a large and loyal customer base over the years, however ongoing development in the area means we’ve become hidden away from a lot of passing trade and our building is now out of place in the surrounding area.

“In order to move forward, we need a modern, retail led building and these new premises will help us to build our presence in York and continue growing the business. It also makes way for a new and vibrant development that is much more in keeping with the Percy’s Lane of today.”

S Harrison is currently working on a 115 bedroom scheme on Lawrence Street in York, a 240 bed student development in Edinburgh and a 63 bed scheme in Newcastle.

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