A VACANT city centre office block which has struggled to attract businesses to the site could become more than 100 apartments under new plans.

A change of use application has been submitted to City of York Council, requesting permission to transform the majority of the 1960's built Hudson House, in Toft Green, into a residential property.

The application outlines plans to create 38 one bedroom apartments and 77 two bedroom apartments in one wing, and the upper floors of the remaining three wings of Hudson House, while some office space will be retained on the ground floors.

Sitting next to City of York Council’s new offices, and Network Rail’s regional headquarters George Stephenson House, Hudson House has been home to Network Rail, Corus, BRB (Residuary) Ltd, and Olivers of York.

The building was acquired in October last year alongside 23 other UK properties by Palace Capital plc for £39.25 million.

However the application has been submitted by Signal Property Investments.

Adam Jackson, of Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners, agents for Signal Property Investments, said: "Although the building occupies an excellent and sustainable location within York city centre, close to the railway station and local amenities, large portions of the building remain vacant despite them being marketed for office use.

"This is partly due to the fact that the building is in need of significant investment. Such an investment is not presently viable for its current uses and therefore its conversion to residential provides a viable opportunity to invest in the long term future of the building in the heart of the city centre, increasing the vitality of the local area.

"The conversion will also assist in addressing an identified and acknowledged shortfall in future housing land supply in York 

"The change to residential use would increase footfall along Toft Green, and subsequently along Micklegate and into the city centre. The increased vitality in this part of the city would have a positive impact on local businesses and the city’s economy. It will also generate local temporary jobs during the refurbishment of the building."