Plans for one of the UK’s largest city centre regeneration schemes have taken a major step forward with the submission of a planning application for a large part of the first phase of the development.
The submission for York includes proposals for homes, commercial space, and parkland, as well as public realm and a new western entrance to the railway station.
The £2bn York Central scheme, which has already secured outline planning approval, is being brought forward by joint venture development partners McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate, Homes England and Network Rail, in collaboration with key stakeholders, the City of York Council and the National Railway Museum.
On a 45-hectare site next to York Railway Station, the ambition is to develop a new, world-class living, leisure and commercial quarter for the City of York, for the benefit of local people, as well as acting as the catalyst for major inward investment.
With over £135m Government funding already secured for infrastructure, the development is expected to create up to 6,500 direct and indirect new jobs, while an independent viability study expects York Central to help grow York’s economy by 20% by adding £1.1bn GVA to the city.
The key elements of the final portion of phase 1 (referred to as phase 1C application) include: 999 mix tenure homes, including 20% affordable, a 99,188 sq ft innovation hub, 69,255 sq ft of retail and leisure space, a 213-bedroom hotel, a new western station entrance, and extensive parkland and public realm.
In preparation for the submission of the latest reserved matters application, York Central has undergone an extensive public consultation with the local community.
The latest designs for York Central are being delivered by a team of architects including global masterplan visionaries Allies and Morrison and renowned landscape specialists Grant Associates.
The decision from the City of York Council on the phase 1C application is expected in Spring 2026, which will determine the delivery programme timeline. The first phase of delivery will also include the construction of a 134,678 sq ft government office building and Museum Square, both of which were granted reserved matters planning in 2024.
Tom Gilman, managing director of McLaren Regeneration, 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.”
