£2bn York Central Regeneration Hits Major Milestone

The £2 billion York Central scheme, which already has outline planning consent, is one of the most significant regeneration projects in the UK. The application details proposals for the first homes, commercial space and parkland, alongside extensive new public realm and a landmark western entrance to York Railway Station.

G&T is playing a pivotal role in the project’s delivery, providing strategic Cost Management and Masterplanning Cost Advice services to help realise the full potential of the York Central redevelopment. The scheme is being brought forward by joint venture development partners McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate, in partnership with Homes England and Network Rail. It is being developed in close collaboration with key stakeholders including the City of York Council and the National Railway Museum. 

Situated on a 45-hectare site - equivalent to 64 football pitches and larger than the King’s Cross regeneration in London - York Central sits immediately beside York Railway Station and on the edge of the city’s historic centre. The vision is to create a world-class new district for York, delivering outstanding places to live, work and spend time, while acting as a powerful catalyst for inward investment.

The latest designs are being developed by a world-class architectural team led by Allies and Morrison, with landscape specialists Grant Associates. A decision from the City of York Council on the Phase 1C application is expected in Spring 2026. Subject to approval, work could begin on site in Autumn 2026, with completion of Phase 1 anticipated in Winter 2028.

The final part of Phase 1 (known as the Phase 1C application) includes 999 mixed-tenure homes (including 20% affordable), an innovation hub, retail and leisure space, a 213-bed hotel, a new western station entrance as well as extensive parkland and public realm. This initial phase will also deliver a Government office building and Museum Square, both of which received reserved matters approval in 2024.

Tom Gilman 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 establish a new live-work-play community in one of the biggest milestones in my hometown of York’s illustrious history.”

Matthew Mills also commented: “G&T is proud to be contributing its expertise to this landmark scheme for the city. With the submission of the planning application, York Central has reached a major milestone, bringing the vision for a vibrant new district for York one step closer to reality.”

With more than £135 million of Government funding already committed to infrastructure, the scheme is forecast to generate up to 6,500 direct and indirect jobs. An independent viability study also projects that York Central will boost the city’s economy by around 20%, contributing £1.1 billion in GVA.

For more information, please contact Matthew Mills or James McGrael.

^{Imagery courtesy of © York Central Limited}