Hiscox: Development could kickstart Hungate project (From York Press)

Hiscox: Development could kickstart Hungate project

8:00am Friday 28th September 2012 in News Exclusive By Julie Hayes, Business editor

York property developer S Harrison became involved with the hunt for suitable premises while Hiscox was still looking at other cities.

Ann Scott, managing director of S Harrison, said various sites, including Clifton Moor , did not tick the box, so they began discussions over land owned by City of York Council at Hungate.

Because the office does not cover the whole site, S Harrison has also proposed developing a hotel to make the overall scheme viable.

While the developer has a “quality” operator in mind, nothing has been finalised.

All being well when the decision to sell the site goes to full council in October, S Harrison hopes to submit a planning application in January. Construction could begin next summer to be completed by autumn 2014. The building is designed to the environmental assessment BREEAM “Very Good” standard and will be sympathetic to the neighbouring Black Swan Inn, which dates back to 1417.

There will be secure inside parking for about 17 cars, with staff expected to use public transport.

Mrs Scott said: “The exciting proposed design would provide open plan offices on three floors as well as meeting rooms.

“We’ve worked closely with the council as our plans have developed and we’ve had a very positive response from all quarters. Everyone can see the appeal of creating new jobs in the city centre and our track record of delivering quality developments in York will give the confidence that, with support from the council, we will bring the new jobs the city needs.

“The creation of another quality brand hotel in the city will provide a further boost to York’s leisure economy. If we get an operator signed up and swift planning approval the new hotel would be completed for the 2015 season.”

City of York Council said the development was likely to kickstart the stalled 720-home residential development planned for the rest of the Hungate site, which is owned by Hungate (York) Regeneration Ltd.

Hungate (York) Regeneration Ltd is to meet with the council to discuss the new plans.