More than 2,000 jobs could be created at business park
A planning application for a new employment and business park that could create over 2,000 jobs has been submitted to City of York Council.
The Oakgate Group, has put forward proposals for Naburn Business and Employment park, which include new offices, an innovation centre and major improvements to the existing Park and Ride service.
Included on the park, off St Nicholas Avenue, is a total of 270,000 sq ft of office space, including an innovation centre. Other ancillary businesses on the site would include a restaurant, children’s nursery and a gym.
Richard France, Managing Director of the Wetherby-based Oakgate Group, said: “This is an opportunity that should be grasped to ensure York’s burgeoning economy continues to thrive. These proposals will offer a range of office space for both existing business wishing to expand, and to attract major new investment to the city.
“It fits in with the new council administration’s stated aim to improve the economy and will complement the plans for York Central, by offering more locational and timing choice to businesses.
“Our proposals will help meet the chronic lack of quality office and business space in the city and can be delivered quickly. Economic benefits, transport improvements, energy efficiency and ecological diversity will ensure it is a truly sustainable development.”
A consultation process was started last year and as a result there have been changes to the masterplan. These include providing a green buffer to properties on Lingcroft Lane, moving the position of the Park and Ride on the masterplan away from residential properties and altering the bus route.
Out of the total site area, 35 acres will be kept as a green corridor along the A64. A new roundabout on St Nicholas Avenue will provide access to the site.
Architects firm DLA Design Group has produced the masterplan that includes, along with the offices and business space, a series of small-scale “pavilions” that will provide places for leisure and recreation. The upper garden terraces of the pavilions have been aligned to create visual connections with York landmarks, including the Minster.
Traffic modelling and surveys have taken place as part of the application. Along with the new roundabout, an additional lane is proposed for the southbound A19/A64 junction to mitigate traffic from the development.
DLA Design Group were the leading architects on this project, with Avison Young as planners.
