Plans submitted for 35 apartments on brownfield city site

An application to transform the former Tramways WMC site on Mill Street in York, including improvements to Dick Turpin’s grave, have been submitted to City of York Council.

The plans, lodged by Oakgate Group, include 35 new apartments in the newly named St George’s Terrace development, along with major improvements to create an ‘urban pocket park’ at the rest garden next to the site.

This is where the legendary Dick Turpin is thought to be buried, and his gravestone is located.

The planning application follows a recent public consultation process.

Richard France, managing director of Oakgate Group, said: “During the consultation we received many positive comments about enhancing this seemingly forgotten green space, as well as supportive feedback about the design of the new building.

“This part of the city centre, the Castle Gateway, is undergoing a lot of improvements and our planning proposals will provide further enhancements.”

The building will be set back from the rest gardens boundary, respecting its setting and allowing significant landscaping and planting to take place.

All the apartments will have outdoor space as well as workspace within to reflect the changing nature of city living.

Improvements to the park include new seating, creating a better path around the park and putting in a fully accessible entrance.

Members of the Tramways Club voted to close the club down in 2018 and sold the property to the Oakgate Group.