York Central’s £2bn ($2.67bn) 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.
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The 45ha 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.
York Central’s consortium comprises of McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate in joint venture, working with Homes England and Network Rail.
The City of York Council and National Railway Museum are involved as key stakeholders.
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By GlobalDataG&T is providing cost management and master planning cost advice services for the delivery of the York Central redevelopment.
The project has already received outline planning approval.
The government has committed over £135m to infrastructure works at York Central.
Projections indicate the development could create up to 6,500 direct and indirect jobs in the region while an independent study estimates it may add £1.1bn gross value added to York’s economy – expected to boost the city’s economic output by approximately 20%.
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.
These activities formed part of a wider engagement effort with community organisations and ward representatives.
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.
City of York Council is scheduled to decide on the phase 1C application in early 2026.
Subject to approval, construction could commence in late 2026 with completion of phase one targeted for late 2028.
McLaren Regeneration managing director Tom Gilman said: “This represents another important milestone in the planning and delivery process and demonstrates the continuing momentum of this exciting project.
“At a critical time for the nation’s economy – when the government is issuing a clarion call to ‘Build, baby, build’ – we are moving full steam ahead to deliver essential new homes, work and leisure and establishing a new live-work-play community in one of the biggest milestones in my home city of York’s illustrious history. With York Central’s world-class connections, this is a great way to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the UK’s railways.”
