Plans for one of the UK’s largest city centre regeneration schemes have taken a significant step forward with the submission of a planning application for a large proportion of the first phase of the development of York.
The submission includes proposals for the first tranche of homes, commercial space and parkland within the development, as well as extensive public realm and a brand-new western entrance to the railway station.
The £2bn York Central, which has already secured outline planning approval, is one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects.
It is being brought forward by joint venture development partners McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate, Homes England and Network Rail, in close collaboration with key stakeholders, the City of York Council and the National Railway Museum.
On a 45-hectare (equivalent to 64 football pitches) site which is larger than the regeneration of London’s Kings Cross, is next to York Railway Station and adjacent to the city’s historic centre, 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
- 99,188 sq ft innovation hub
- 69,255 sq ft retail and leisure space
- 213-bedroom hotel
- Brand new western station entrance
- 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 McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate development team hosted a drop-in event at the National Railway Museum which was attended by members of local communities and specialist interest groups. The wider York community also had the opportunity to submit feedback online on the York Central website (www.yorkcentral.uk).
This consultation formed part of an ongoing engagement programme which has included two community drop-in sessions held earlier this year, attendance at several ward councillor meetings, as well as close liaison with local interest groups, including the York Access Forum and York Civic Trust.
The latest designs for York Central are being delivered by a world-class team of architects, including global masterplan visionaries Allies and Morrison and renowned landscape specialists Grant Associates, to design the scheme.
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.”
Allan Cook, Arlington Real Estate, said: “We’re on a mission to create the perfect city quarter for the people of York, we will deliver an exciting and extraordinary new place that everyone can enjoy. While York Central will undoubtedly attract new investment and audiences to this great northern City, we are committed to ensuring we deliver an inclusive place which feels very much part of York, that will appeal just as strongly to existing residents as newcomers, and where everyone will feel equally at home.”
Leon Guyett, Director of Regeneration Partnerships (York), Homes England, said: “This planning application marks a major milestone for York Central, showing how strategic government investment, over £135m to date, can unlock transformative regeneration.
“By funding essential infrastructure, we’ve enabled developer partners to bring forward proposals for 2,500 homes, including a proportion of affordable housing. York Central reflects our commitment to working with local authorities and the private sector to turn complex brownfield sites into vibrant new communities that people can be proud of.”
Stephen Hind, Head of Business Development for Network Rail added: “York Central is a great example of bringing the public and private sectors together to deliver an exceptional new neighbourhood. Having unlocked our rail-led land for this strategic site, we are proud to be partners having laid the foundations to get to this important milestone.”