Plans lodged for city centre offices

Plans have been unveiled for a new Grade A office building on The Crescent in York City Centre.

York-based developer North Star, working alongside Crescent Developments (York), has lodged a planning application with City of York Council for the 32,400 sq ft development.

The proposals will help meet an identified need for modern, high-quality accommodation in the city centre.

They will replace the former malthouse building and other store structures on the site of 9 The Crescent.

A spokesman for North Star said: “We have already had significant interest from rail industry companies who want Grade A office space close to the Railway Station, in the heart of York.

“Despite the current Covid situation, there is demand for high quality, well designed and spacious offices in the right location.

“This is a major investment in York and is a vote of confidence in the city’s future.”

Charles Storr, economy and enterprise manager at Make it York, added: “Even in these uncertain times, we strongly believe there is a pressing need for Grade A new offices in York City Centre.

“Much of the old office accommodation has become outdated and has been repurposed for other uses which has resulted in lack of new office space for both local companies wishing to expand and businesses looking to relocate to York.

“These proposals will build on the confidence in York City centre over recent times, following progress on York Central, planned improvements to the railway station area and other major investments in York.”

North Star is also the joint developer of other high-profile sites in York including the former gasworks in Heworth, another office proposal on Toft Green, a hotel on Micklegate and the landmark city centre development, The Roman Quarter.

It has also worked with Crescent Developments (York) on another scheme on The Crescent, where an application has recently been submitted to turn a derelict former dental laboratory into 14 homes.