AN UNDERUSED 1960s office block in the shadow of York's Bar Walls could be torn down and replaced with new offices and flats, it has emerged.

Hudson House on Toft Green is 70 per cent empty at present, and plans had been drawn up for it to be converted almost entirely into residential apartments - following the trend of other empty city centre offices like Ryedale House.

However the owners have now come forward with alternative plans which would see the end of the existing building, but would bring new high quality offices as well as new flats in its place.

Owners Palace Capital plc want to develop the site into four new modern buildings including apartments, Grade-A office accommodation and other commercial space, and they want to put in a new pedestrian link into the railway station.

Chief Executive Neil Sinclair said: “These proposals represent a major investment into York and the plans are a vote of confidence for the city.

“There is a distinct lack of top quality office space in the city centre, and we understand that there is an underlying demand from companies wishing to relocate to York but who can’t find suitable office space.”

Their office plans would be the first speculative office development in York for many years, he added, and could open a new link into the station.

York Press:

“These plans will include a landscaped route through that will link the station to Toft Green and Micklegate and will open up this part of the city, adding to the renaissance of the area in recent years.”

Leading Leeds based architects Fuse Studios are designing the scheme that will include 130 apartments for which strong demand is expected being so close to the Station, 35,000 sq ft net of offices and potentially a café.

Mr Sinclair added: “Our plans marry high quality design with a sympathetic approach to its historic surroundings and local environment. We also see this development as acting as a potential catalyst for the York Central scheme, by enhancing the links with the city centre.”

Currently there is only a gated pedestrian link from the back of Hudson House into the railway station, passing under the city walls and Queen Street Bridge - which is itself ear marked for demolition under the council’s plans to regenerate the railway station and the York Central site behind.

A consultation event will be held for neighbours and other interested parties on Wednesday between 3pm and 7pm at Hudson House, with a chance to find out more about the plans and talk to the development team.