York Central, York, UK
Equipping an ancient city for an exciting new chapter
A rigorous approach to heritage underpins this scheme to transform a 45-hectare brownfield site into a modern mixed-use urban district for York. Arup led the concept and planning stages of the development, which is expected to boost the city’s economy by more than 20%.
The teardrop-shaped area is likely to have seen some prehistoric activity before being used as a Roman cemetery and eventually filling with a large complex of railway-related buildings. After assessing the condition and heritage significance of the site, including likely buried archaeology, we shaped the massing, materials and character of the scheme overall. This involved protecting several non-listed historic buildings and accentuating key views to and from the historic city centre.
Planning consent was granted in 2019 and the scheme is now being delivered on site. Along with at least 2500 new homes it will provide a significant volume of high-specification commercial space and an enhanced Railway Museum. Just as the railways transformed this part of the city, fuelling economic growth in the Victorian period, so its adaptation will allow York to thrive for decades to come.
