New look for Walmgate revealed following redevelopment of The Press site

Officials at City of York Council are recommending approval for S Harrison Developments Ltd’s proposals for more than 350 flats and studio apartments, accommodating almost 650 students.

The project would create a new frontage on Walmgate, with new 6,500 sq ft offices for The Press created which would front on to Walmgate and Hurst’s Yard.

There would be a new archway where the existing archway stands, providing access for students to residential accommodation built around a courtyard and backing on to the River Foss.

Operator Student Castle would have its management suite, reception and student common room on the Walmgate frontage.

S Harrison’s design manager Chris Hale said there would be a significant increase in the landscaping and biodiversity of the site, and new green spaces would be created in currently tarmacked areas.

The site would be virtually car-free and the height of the new halls would match that of neighbouring buildings, with new views opened up from Hurst’s Yard down to the Foss.

“The plans we have put forward will see an underutilised brownfield site redeveloped to deliver much-needed student accommodation for the city’s growing student population,” he said.

David Coates, regional managing director of Newsquest Yorkshire and North East, said: “As York’s local newspaper, we are absolutely committed to maintaining our operation within the city walls and this scheme enables us to keep our journalist, sales and management teams here cost-effectively. We’re tremendously excited by the proposal.”

The Press reported last week that 16 objections had been received by the council. If approved, the building project will create about 200 new construction jobs over the next two years and 20 new permanent jobs when completed.

If councillors approve the plans on Thursday, enabling work will start within weeks and the whole scheme will be completed in time for the new student intake in September 2015.