UK developers in race for $2.7bn York Central scheme

York Central’s £2 billion ($2.67 billion) regeneration project has marked a major milestone with the submission of phase IC reserved matters planning application covering the main portion of the scheme.

The application seeks detailed permission for 999 homes, an innovation hub, retail and leisure units, a 213-room hotel, significant parkland, public open spaces and a new western entrance for York Railway Station, reported World Construction Network.

The 45 hectare site sits adjacent to York Railway Station and close to the historic city centre. Its scope exceeds that of the King’s Cross redevelopment in London.

The first phase is set to deliver mixed-tenure housing – 20% of which will be affordable – and commercial infrastructure, alongside substantial public realm improvements, stated the report.

York Central’s consortium comprises of McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate in a joint venture, working with Homes England and Network Rail.

The City of York Council and National Railway Museum are involved as key stakeholders.

The UK government has committed over £135 million to infrastructure works at York Central, said the WCN report.

Prior to submitting the planning application, developers completed consultation with local residents and interest groups through public events hosted at the National Railway Museum as well as via online feedback channels.

The detailed designs submitted are from architectural company Allies and Morrison with landscape input from Grant Associates.

The current planning application also covers Museum Square and a new Government office building; both elements secured planning approval earlier this year, it added.