Landmark city centre offices set for transformation

An empty office building in York city centre is to be converted into apartments following its acquisition by a developer.

Ryedale House has lain empty for many years after it was vacated by North Yorkshire Health Authority.

The seven-story building already has permitted development for residential conversion and sits within the Castle Gateway regeneration area.

Residential developer Newby has announced plans to convert the building into 77 apartments.

Newby co-founder Nick Moody said: “We are delighted to purchase Ryedale House which is a landmark building that needs to be revitalised and is ideal for residential conversion.  Not only does it help to fulfil the current deficit of housing in York city centre but it also offers an extremely attractive location, right on the banks of the River Foss with spectacular views of York Minister.”

Matthew Jones, development director at Savills Leeds, said: “We acted for Steamrock Capital on the disposal of Ryedale House and following a competitive marketing process, Newby were selected as the purchasers and concluded the transaction within a short timescale, which is a positive result all round. The conversion and re-development of Ryedale House to high quality apartments is fantastic news for York and will play a big part in the evolution of the Castlegate/Piccadilly area.”

Dan Neary, director of Steamrock Capital added: “We are pleased that Newby will take on the mantle of this building and bring the plans to fruition.  We still have significant property interests in this area and are looking forward to seeing the improvement and regeneration of this part of York.”
Newby hopes to start works in early 2018.

The developer is no stranger to York having purchased Cocoa Works, the former Nestle factory on Haxby Road, earlier this year for residential conversion.

In 2016 Newby also converted Castle Chambers, a redundant office in the centre of York, into apartments.