Detailed planning approval has been granted for the first phase of York Central, one of the UK's most significant urban regeneration projects, paving the way for more than 1,000 new homes, major commercial development and a transformed gateway to the city.
The City of York Council approved detailed plans for the first phase of the development on 10 September, allowing developers McLaren Regeneration and Arlington Real Estate to move ahead with a project that will reshape a long-neglected 110-acre brownfield site close to York railway station.
The approved plans include 1,014 mixed-tenure homes, with at least 20% designated for affordable and social rent or purchase, alongside a new commercial district, a hotel and a western entrance to York railway station.
The decision marks a major milestone for a development that has been in discussion for decades and is regarded as one of the largest regeneration opportunities in the UK.
Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said:
"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."
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, added:
"York Central is going to transform the city, delivering thousands of much-needed new homes, including affordable housing, and creating thousands of high-quality jobs.
"That's why it's a big moment to see these plans move forward. Soon we'll see York Central take shape and transform how people see our county.
"This £2 billion project will strengthen our links across the North, and ensure York remains a fantastic place to live, work, and invest for decades to come."
York Central has remained largely inaccessible to the public for many years, despite its prime city-centre location. Significant public investment and private sector funding have now unlocked the site, creating the foundations for a major mixed-use development.
The first phase will deliver:
- 1,014 mixed-tenure homes, including 20% affordable housing
- A new western entrance to York railway station and civic square
- A 213-bedroom hotel
- Extensive parkland and public spaces
- A 99,190 sq ft innovation hub
- 67,447 sq ft of retail and leisure space
Developers will also create new public squares, cycle routes, pedestrian links and courtyard spaces designed to integrate the site with the wider city.
The regeneration scheme has already benefited from substantial infrastructure works, including new roads, public realm improvements and enhanced walking and cycling connections.
Its strategic importance has been recognised through its designation as both a Mayoral Development Zone and an Enterprise Zone, reflecting the project's role in supporting economic growth across North Yorkshire and beyond.
The wider development will also include the previously approved Museum Square and a 134,000 sq ft Government Property Agency hub capable of accommodating up to 2,600 civil servants.
Site investigations are expected to start shortly, with construction scheduled to begin next year.
The first completed buildings are expected to be ready for occupation in early 2029, while the entirety of phase one is projected to be completed during 2030.
Once fully delivered, York Central is expected to provide:
- At least 2,500 homes
- More than 1 million sq ft of commercial space
- Around 6,500 jobs
The project is set to become one of the most significant examples of brownfield regeneration in the UK, combining housing delivery, economic growth and major transport improvements in a single city-centre development.
Image credit: iStock
