York Central Takes Major Step Forward as Planning Application Submitted for First Phase

Plans for York Central — one of the UK’s largest city-centre regeneration projects — have reached a major milestone with the submission of the Phase 1C reserved matters planning application, covering a substantial portion of the development’s first phase. 

Grant Associates has played a significant role in shaping the landscape and public realm strategy at the heart of this transformative £2 billion regeneration scheme. 

Set on a 45-hectare brownfield site beside York Railway Station, York Central represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine a major part of the city’s urban fabric. The masterplan, developed with Allies and Morrison and a wider world-class multidisciplinary team, aims to create a welcoming, sustainable and distinctive new quarter that responds to York’s heritage while embracing the needs of a modern, future-looking city. 

The Phase 1C application includes: 

• 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 brand-new western entrance to York Railway Station 
• Extensive parkland, green infrastructure and public realm 

Landscape and green infrastructure have been embedded from the outset as structuring elements of the masterplan. The design team’s vision establishes a connected network of streets, squares and parkland designed to support nature, encourage walking and cycling, and foster a strong sense of belonging. Generous planting, climate-resilient design and inclusive public spaces aim to ensure York Central becomes a thriving extension of the city — one that feels rooted, characterful and genuinely welcoming to all. 

York Central is being brought forward by McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate, in partnership with Homes England and Network Rail, with £135m of Government investment secured for infrastructure. Independent analysis suggests the scheme could deliver up to 6,500 new jobs and contribute £1.1bn GVA to York’s economy. 

The latest submission follows extensive engagement with local communities and interest groups, including drop-in events and online consultation. A decision from City of York Council is expected in Spring 2026, paving the way for work on site to begin later that year. The first phase of delivery will also include the previously approved 134,678 sq ft Government office building and Museum Square. 

Peter Chimel, Director at Grant Associates, said: 

“We’re looking forward to continuing our collaboration with the partners and communities to help deliver a vibrant, green and resilient new neighbourhood for York – one that celebrates interconnectedness and focuses on community and inclusivity.” 

Credits: 

Allies and Morrison 

McLaren Property 

Arlington Real Estate 

Homes England 

Network Rail 

Image credit:

For coal drops and aerial view: York Central Limited. For Central Park: source: plannig documents.

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Editors notes

About Grant Associates Grant Associates is a pioneering international landscape architecture practice, whose work reconnects people with nature in insightful, delightful and distinctive ways whilst addressing the global challenges of urbanisation, the climate crisis and biodiversity extinction. Grant Associates’ design process is underpinned by a knowledge of human behaviour, nature and ecological science combined with innovative design technology. The practice combines original thinking, creative collaboration and regenerative design to breathe new life into our cities and landscapes.