City of York Council has approved ambitious plans for a world class Roman visitor attraction in York, as part of a major regeneration project in the City Centre.
The Roman Quarter proposals – a partnership between York Archaeological Trust and site owners Rougier Street Developments, working with North Star – will see three unattractive buildings on Rougier Street in central York replaced with new homes, offices, an aparthotel, as well as the globally unique new Roman attraction, provisionally called EBORACUM. The apartments and aparthotel will be run by Beyond, a leading operator that specialises in sustainable management.
The approval follows refusal of a previous version of the plans last year, but since then the development team has worked hard with the Council and other stakeholders to revise the design and proposals.
In research conducted as part of the application it will also result in an economic boost of £315m over 30 years, as well as the creation of over 600 new jobs.
A key part of the project is also a two-year archaeological dig to unearth the secrets of York’s past, which will be broadcast across the world, as well as inviting every school child in York to get involved.
David Jennings, CEO of York Archaeological Trust, said: “This is fantastic news and we look forward to starting preparatory work on the archaeological dig as soon as we can. The dig will be a major event in its own right and will be broadcast across the world, as well as engaging local residents in this unique opportunity.
“We will build on the success and experience we have had with the Jorvik Viking Centre to bring York’s rich Roman heritage to life. It is a wholly exceptional, once-in-a-generation opportunity, locally developed with a global reach.”
A spokesperson for North Star said: “This is clearly a major milestone in the project and we thank the Council for backing the ambitious and exciting vision for this fantastic project. Our aim is to start work as soon as possible and deliver the massive amount of benefits that this project will bring.”
City of York Councillors voted to approve the planning application at a Planning Committee on 5th October.
Preparatory works on the 2-year archaeological dig, which precedes development is hoped to start next year, once Northern House becomes vacant.
