Plans submitted for former construction headquarters in York

A planning application has now been submitted to City of York Council to transform the former Shepherd Construction headquarters in York  into a 440-bed student complex.

The application submission comes after consultation on the proposals following the acquisition of Frederick House on Fulford Road  by developer and investor Summix earlier in the year.

Consultation with the local community and Council has included a well-attended public exhibition session in November, various meetings and attendance at the Fishergate Ward meeting in September.

Following feedback from the community and stakeholders, the original plans have been altered including amending the layout to be more responsive to neighbouring properties, enhanced landscaping throughout the site and a reduction in height, resulting in the number of student bedrooms going from over 450 to 440.

There is also the potential now to create a flexible community space in the Guard House building at the front of the site.

The regeneration of the two-acre site will result in the demolition of the existing Frederick House building and its replacement with new buildings providing modern, sustainable student accommodation with the introduction of significant planting and soft landscaping. The existing Guard House on the frontage with Fulford Road will be retained and used as an amenity hub for the student residents.

The new buildings will range from 3 to 5 storeys, drawing on local architectural influences and will be sustainable and energy efficient incorporating a range of passive design features and low carbon technologies.  It will be a largely car-free development, but with provision for dropping off and picking up, which will utilise best practice from other developments.  There will be cycle parking provision and disabled parking on site.

A spokesperson from Summix said: “During the consultation process we have benefitted from a wide range of views and the plans have evolved as a result. We have looked to take onboard the largely positive approach to the development with aims to reflect the tradition and character of the City of York within the concept for the scheme’s design.

“The submission of the planning application heralds a landmark in regenerating this sustainable brownfield site into a high quality student complex.”

A decision on the planning application is expected in 2019.