Developer sought for massive city regeneration project

Homes England and Network Rail have fired the starting gun on delivery of York Central, by appointing JLL to procure a strategic development partner for what is one of the UK’s largest brownfield regenerations.

Real estate services specialist JLL will begin the process of securing a developer to bring forward the 45-hectare mixed-use scheme, which is expected to grow York’s economy by 20%.

The project will create up to 2,500 new homes and more than 800,000 sq ft of commercial space as part of a new commercial and residential quarter for York.

The first phase of the project is expected to deliver a maximum of 650,000 sq ft of commercial space and 700 residential units on the strategic development site – which is close to York Railway Station and is predominantly owned by Network Rail and Homes England.

JLL’s Development team will guide the public sector partners through the procurement process.

Henry Burton, director of development at JLL, said: “York Central is one of a select number of projects across the UK which can be deemed to be truly transformational regeneration at scale.

“In the coming decade, it will bring sustainable growth to York’s £765m economy as the city continues to welcome more than eight million visitors a year.

“Critically though, it will also bring much-needed new homes across a diverse mix of tenures, with a clear focus on developing inclusive new neighbourhoods and communities.”

Peter Freeman, chair of Homes England, said: “Urban regeneration schemes like York Central have a huge part to play in delivering the Government’s Levelling Up agenda by replacing underused brownfield sites with an inviting range of mixed-use buildings and well landscaped public open space.

“Partnerships between the public and private sector will be crucial to success. We want to hear from developers that share our ambitions to create thriving new quarters and are interested in playing a key role in the delivery of York Central.

“York Central is at an advanced stage with planning and land assembly in place and the major infrastructure contract placed.

Robin Dobson, group property director at Network Rail, added: “York Central is one of the most strategically important regeneration sites in the UK. It is putting the railway at the heart of a new commercial, residential and cultural community, all whilst delivering thousands of new jobs.

“It’s a project that demonstrates the pivotal role our railway can play in unlocking sites which deliver growth.

“We’re delivering it through a public and private partnership, an approach we’ll be looking to replicate in other towns and cities across the country. And it will provide long-lasting benefits for the local community and across Yorkshire.”