Consent recommended for ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ riverside regeneration project

Plans to regenerate part of York city centre and revitalise a neglected section of the River Ouse have been recommended for approval by City of York Council.

In a step forward for the Coney Street Riverside development, the council has said that subject to the Secretary of State not calling in parts of the application relating to listed buildings sited within the scheme, it should approve the masterplan.

In a report ahead of a planning committee meeting to consider the plans, the council said: “There are multiple public benefits to the scheme which cumulatively are substantial; they are economic, social and environmental”.

The Coney Street Masterplan, led by York-based property specialist Helmsley Group, will see the creation of 250,000 sq ft of mixed-use retail, leisure, commercial and residential space.

A riverside walkway will be established alongside green and accessible public realm, both on the waterfront itself and through creation and rejuvenation of historic lanes and passageways between Coney Street and the River Ouse.

Situated in York’s Central Conservation Area, the site consists of 19-33 Coney Street and 39 Coney Street to 2 Spurriergate and includes four listed buildings and two buildings of merit.

Sarah Czarnecki, president of York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Chamber is highly supportive of the plans for Coney Street Riverside put forward by Helmsley Group and it is our firm view that they should be given the green light.

“Given the huge economic, social and historic benefits this will bring, we trust elected officials on the planning committee will recognise the once in a generation opportunity the scheme will bring to York.

“Thanks to Helmsley Group, Coney Street looks set for a new and exciting chapter in its long and proud history.”

Central to the plans are the preservation and rejuvenation of Coney Street’s heritage. This includes bringing underutilised upper floors of retail units back into use.

The proposals are also the realisation of a 50-year ambition to create a riverside walkway.

Max Reeves, development director at Helmsley Group, said: “It has been a long journey to get to this point, but we are now optimistic that we will be given the green light to move forward with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“Having worked with key stakeholders in York over the past few years, we know this development would not only be welcomed but is needed, and will bring significant benefits, including increased visitor numbers, vital public green space, job creation and boosted city centre spend.

“Coney Street Riverside will build on our long-held ambition to revitalise Coney Street and reconnect it with its riverfront, alongside creating a welcoming, family friendly offer and much-needed accommodation to meet student demand within the city.”

Once approved, Helmsley will move forward with delivering the scheme, subject to a separate planning application for another, smaller area of the site which is expected to be approved within weeks.

The project team for the scheme includes Helmsley Group, brown + company, O’Neill Associates, Corstorphine and Wright, Montagu Evans, Aspect4, Gillespies, Troup Bywaters & Anders, Billinghurst George & Partners, Jane Simpson Access, Knight Frank, DS Emotion and Aberfield Communications.

Neil Brown, director of architects brown + company, added: “Our design re-establishes the primacy of Coney Street within York by creating small retail units, reflecting the historic shop sizes which are appropriate for today’s thriving independent retail offer.

“We have incorporated the existing site levels to create a new, welcoming, accessible public open space linking Coney Street and the river.

“This public open space reflects the historic water lanes that once connected Coney Street with the river and re-establishes one such historic lane.

“Accessibility for all is of paramount importance and the landscape design integrates leisure and public spaces to ensure this space will be used by families, locals, visitors and leisure users alike.”