Plans submitted for first phase of 2,500-home York regeneration scheme

Plans for one of the UK’s largest city centre regeneration schemes have been submitted to the City of York Council.

The application covers a large proportion of the first phase of the development, including 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 £2billion, 2,500-home 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 close collaboration with key stakeholders, the City of York Council and the National Railway Museum.  

On a 45-hectare site, 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, to the benefit of local people and aiming to act as a catalyst for major inward investment.

With over £135million 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 £1.1billion GVA to the city.

The key elements of the final portion of phase one include 999 mix-tenure homes, with 20% designated as affordable, a c.100,000 sq ft innovation hub, 70,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space and a 213-bedroom hotel.

The decision from the City of York Council on the 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 200^th anniversary of the UK’s railways.”

Allan Cook of 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) at Homes England, said: “This planning application marks a major milestone for York Central, showing how strategic government investment, over £135million 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.”