Plan to redevelop part of York city centre recommended for approval

City of York Councillors have been recommended to approve plans for a Roman visitor attraction in York, as part of a major regeneration project, next week.

The Roman Quarter proposals – a partnership between York Archaeological Trust, Rougier Street Developments and North Star – will see three buildings on Rougier Street in central York replaced with new homes, offices, leisure space, as well as a unique Roman attraction, provisionally called EBORACUM.

The committee report for next Wednesday’s virtual City of York Council Planning Committee meeting has now been published with officers recommending councillors give consent to the application.

Plans have evolved since the original submission to the council in 2019 and now include over 30,000 sq ft of Grade-A office space, to replace outdated offices in the existing buildings.

In research conducted as part of the application, it is said the redevelopment will result in an economic boost of £334m over 30 years, as well as the creation of over 600 jobs.

Part of the project involves a two-year archaeological dig to unearth the secrets of York’s past.

David Jennings, CEO of York Archaeological Trust, said: “This is a pivotal time for York as we seek to bounce back from the pandemic, so this development could not be better timed.

“We know that York is one of the heritage hotspots in the country, with people visiting from around the world to explore our history, and we are confident this new attraction will be a magnet for visitors, in the same way that JORVIK Viking Centre has drawn crowds for over 36 years.”

A spokesman for North Star added: “These proposals will regenerate this part of the city centre and massively complement the planned improvements for the railway station frontage area and York Central.

“The additional Grade-A offices included in the masterplan will replace the outdated space in Northern House and help to ensure that jobs are retained in York.

“The Roman Quarter heralds a massive investment in the city centre and will be a world class addition to York.

“We obviously hope councillors grasp the opportunity – and enormous benefits – and approve the application so we can deliver this ambitious development the city can be proud of.”

Despite the potential economic impact of plans, the committee report also shows a number of objections from amongst others the Ancient Monuments Society (AMS), Council for British Archaeology and Historic England.

The AMS cite that the proposal cold “cause harm” to “the conservation area”, “listed buildings” and the “wider townscape of York. While Historic England highlights that “very considerable public benefits wold be needed to outweigh the harm which would be caused” and recommends “the Council should refuse planning permission, unless it concludes that this harm would be outweighed by public benefits procured by the proposed development.”

Click here to sign up to receive our new South West business news...
Close