FULL plans have emerged for the new office and apartment complex that developers want to put on the site of an underused 1960s building in the city centre.

Hudson House on Toft Green is almost completely empty at present and plans had been made, and approved, to completely refurbish the building and convert it into flats.

However in January owners came forward with alternative plans which would see the end of the existing concrete building, but would bring new offices as well as new flats in its place.

A planning application has been submitted to City of York Council for the redevelopment.

York Press:

Included in the proposals is new Grade A office space totalling 34,000 sq ft, that the owners said is expected to attract new occupiers and investment into York.

Also included are 127 apartments, commercial space and the new route pedestrian through the site linking the station to Micklegate.

Neil Sinclair, chief executive of owners Palace Capital, said: “We have been very encouraged with the feedback we have had during the pre-application consultation process.

“The overwhelming view of local residents and businesses around the site is that they would like to see this area transformed and improved.

“We are very excited about this opportunity in the heart of the city.”

The proposals for new office space have also been by business bodies in York.

Andrew Sharp, Head of Businesses at Make It York, said: “York is a vibrant and dynamic city and we continue to see strong demand for high quality city centre office accommodation. Over the last couple of years we have seen a significant number of city centre offices lost to residential development. The proposals being put forward by Palace Capital will give a welcome boost to supply of city centre Grade A offices, providing a great opportunity to attract new investment into the city.”

Leeds-based architects Fuse Studios has designed the buildings.

Hudson House currently has just over 100,000 sq ft of offices but only 30 per cent are occupied as tenants slowly leave the building as reasonable leases cannot now be offered, pending the outcome of the planning application, and because the building is not up to modern standards.