OF all the districts in York few have a more changing history than Hungate.

Being on the Foss it was the obvious site for a Roman army settlement. The Vikings spotted that too, then during medieval times Carmelite monks found a more peaceful use for the site by building a monastery.

In fact we know more about Hungate than most parts of York because it was recently subject to the biggest archaeological dig since Jorvik.

Layers were peeled back to reveal clay pits, a 1,700-year-old Roman cemetery, Anglo Scandinavian cellars, even a tiny 8th century glass bead, made in the eastern Mediterranean and a rare find in the UK.

The dig also revealed what life was like in the slums of Hungate around 100 years ago which were built when rapid urbanisation in York led to the transformation of the area into a high-density residential neighbourhood. This was famously labelled a slum by Benjamin Seebohm Rowntree in his social study of York at the turn of the 20th century.

Things could hardly be more different today because the detailed dig was a precursor to the whole area being gradually transformed from derelict land into a picturesque riverside community.

Hungate is the largest residential-led regeneration project currently underway in Yorkshire and now, as part of the latest phase, seven sixth floor premium apartments, by sustainable developer Lendlease, and Evans Property Group, have been released.

We think they are really quite something. Each is surrounded by green landscape, not to mention far-reaching views across York.

To make the most of those vistas each apartment also comes with its own balcony and the sense of light they have is palpable because most overlook the River Foss or the new St John’s Square. This doesn’t feel like city centre living at all.

The modern interiors are equally impressive, comprising spacious open-plan dining and living areas plus contemporary bathrooms which benefit from enhanced four piece suites.

Kitchens are finished with stone work surfaces and contemporary units together with high-quality and state-of-the-art energy-efficient appliances. These apartments also have upgraded 900mm hobs, while refined living rooms and bedrooms bring the outside in, thanks to the balcony’s sliding doors.

Indeed the specification is the highest possible and includes underfloor heating to living rooms and bedrooms.

“Phase three is a bit of a step change for Hungate because we’re starting to bring the place making into reality.” says Richard Cook, Head of Residential at Lendlease. “Phase one had the nature reserve and the riverside walkway. Phase three will see us create the community centre and St John’s Square which we call a little oasis in the city.”

On this phase the architecture is a bit different too. You’ll notice details such as curves to the building which replicates some of Hungate’s streets of the 18th century.

“We’ve always been careful to bring something new to York while recognising its heritage,” says Mr Cook. “When phase three is finished we’ll be at a critical point with key parts complete. We’re now beginning to see the vision become reality.”

All the homes at Hungate are built to the Government’s standard for sustainable housebuilding, while the final development will offer 700 cycle parking spaces and a number of electric car charging points.

Once complete, the development will also open up a network of pedestrian walkways and cycle paths, creating direct connections to the city centre and residential areas across the river.

Hungate will also deliver a community centre, and close to 20,000 square feet of retail space.

Modern but timeless, this development really is a bold statement for York and Mr Cook says his company is keen to maintain its sense of place.

“We are now looking to incorporate some of what came out of the dig back into the scheme,” he says. “We’ve permanently loaned the best to the Viking centre, but there are thousands of boxes of bits that are still of historical interest.

“This area is really important to the history of York and for us it is very important to keep that legacy.”

Prices within this collection start from £260,000 for a one bedroom apartment. For further details, please phone 01904 899714 or visit www.hungateyork.co.uk