The first phase of development at York Central, an urban regeneration scheme, has received detailed planning approval from the City of York Council.

As well as delivering 1,000 new homes – at least 20% for social and affordable rent and sale – the scheme will create new public squares, an extensive public park and a network of courtyards, cycle ways and footpaths to connect this new quarter to the rest of the city.

Grant Associates has played a significant role in shaping the landscape and public realm strategy for the £2bn York Central regeneration.

Set on a 45-hectare brownfield site beside York railway station, York Central is being regarded as one of the UK’s most significant city-centre regeneration projects.

Peter Chmiel, director at Grant Associates, comments on the announcement:

“This approval is an exciting milestone for York Central and its future landscape vison of fostering a new community supported by a nature rich public realm . Central Park and Coal Drops Square will be at the heart of this remarkable site and new community, creating generous inclusive and active public spaces that connect people with the city, its railway heritage and each other.”

Construction will start on site next year following extensive site investigation works, which will begin imminently.

Housing secretary Angela Rayner says:

“York Central is a fantastic opportunity to transform derelict brownfield land into thousands of new homes, jobs, and green spaces, giving more people the chance to live and work in this great city. By unlocking one of the biggest regeneration projects in the country, we’re turning years of talk into action to drive growth in every region, raise living standards and build the homes communities desperately need.”

Credit:York Central