Helmsley Group’s plans to regenerate part of York city centre and revitalise a neglected section of the River Ouse have been recommended for approval by City of York Council (CoYC).
In a major step forward for the Coney Street Riverside development, CoYC has said that subject to the Secretary of State not calling in parts of the application relating to listed buildings sited within the scheme, it should approve the masterplan.
In its report ahead of a planning committee meeting to consider the plans, CoYC said “there are multiple public benefits to the scheme which cumulatively are substantial; they are economic, social and environmental.”
It added that after applying national and local planning policy alongside other criteria to Helmsley’s plans, the benefits of the scheme “clearly outweigh” any potential harm and justified the approval of the scheme.
The Coney Street Masterplan, led by the York-based property specialist, will see the creation of 250,000 sq ft of mixed-use retail, leisure, commercial and residential space.
A riverside walkway will be established alongside nationally significant green and accessible public realm, both on the waterfront itself and also through the creation and rejuvenation of historic lanes and passageways between Coney Street and the River Ouse.
Situated in York’s Central Conservation Area, the site consists of 19-33 Coney Street and 39 Coney Street to 2 Spurriergate and includes four listed buildings and two buildings of merit, and is in close proximity to a number of other listed buildings and buildings of importance.
Helmsley, which first submitted its plans for Coney Street Riverside in 2022, has the backing of prominent groups including York Civic Trust and York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.
Sarah Czarnecki, president of York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Chamber is highly supportive of the plans for Coney Street Riverside put forward by Helmsley Group and it is our firm view that they should be given the green light.
“Given the huge economic, social and historic benefits this will bring, we trust that elected officials on the planning committee will recognise the once in a generation opportunity the scheme will bring to York.
“Thanks to Helmsley Group, Coney Street looks set for a new and exciting chapter in its long and proud history.”
Central to the plans are the sensitive preservation and rejuvenation of Coney Street’s heritage, in recognition of the vitally important role that the street and riverfront have played across York’s long history.
This includes the public benefits of bringing underutilised upper floors of retail units back into use, a long-held ambition in York.
The proposals are also the realisation of a 50-year ambition to create a riverside walkway. The vision also supports the introduction of a boutique, independent retail experience, supporting local businesses as well as bringing new national brands to the city for the first time.
Independent analysis from chartered surveyors and planners Aspinall Verdi, alongside economic development consultants Kada Research found the plan would deliver £175m in economic benefits to York over the next 15 years. Broken down that means that, for every £1 invested, £3.93 would be generated for the city.
Max Reeves, development director at Helmsley Group, said: “It has been a long journey to get to this point, but we are now optimistic that we will be given the green light to move forward with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“Having worked closely with key stakeholders in York over the past few years, we know that this development would not only be welcomed but is needed, and will bring significant benefits, including increased visitor numbers, vital public green space, job creation and boosted city centre spend. We are extremely grateful to everyone for their support.
“Coney Street Riverside will build on our long-held ambition to revitalise Coney Street and reconnect it with its riverfront, alongside creating a welcoming, family friendly offer and much-needed accommodation to meet student demand within the city.”
Max added: “As a long-established York business, we are committed to creating this truly mixed-use, vibrant development that sensitively and sustainably redevelops historic Coney Street into the social heart of York.
“Coney Street Riverside will create a vibrant community with heritage at its heart. We are looking forward to creating a positive legacy for generations to come through first class public spaces, and architecture which ensures that the history and heritage of the area is not just recognised, but honoured and protected.”
The CoYC planning report also recommends that delegated authority be given to its head of planning and development services to refer the application to the Secretary of State for consideration at this stage.
Once approved, Helmsley will move forward with delivering the scheme, subject to a separate planning application for another, smaller area of the site which is expected to be approved within weeks.
The project team for the scheme includes Helmsley Group, brown + company, O’Neill Associates, Corstorphine and Wright, Montagu Evans, Aspect4, Gillespies, Troup Bywaters & Anders, Billinghurst George & Partners, Jane Simpson Access, Knight Frank, DS Emotion and Aberfield Communications.
Neil Brown, director of architects brown + company, said: “Our design re-establishes the primacy of Coney Street within York by creating small retail units, reflecting the historic shop sizes which are appropriate for today’s thriving independent retail offer.
“We have incorporated the existing site levels to create a new, welcoming, accessible public open space linking Coney Street and the river. This public open space reflects the historic water lanes that once connected Coney Street with the river and re-establishes one such historic lane.
“Accessibility for all is of paramount importance and the landscape design integrates leisure and public spaces to ensure that this space will be used by families, locals, visitors and leisure users alike.
“The proposed new buildings along the riverside and fronting the scheme’s Waterloo Place area will create two distinct, contemporary buildings which are designed to reflect the industrial heritage of the river and contribute positively to their important setting.”
