THE Archbishop of York has conducted a groundbreaking ceremony to herald the start of construction work at York’s new Hudson Quarter.

The site of the former Hudson House railway offices - which have been demolished - is set to be transformed into new flats, offices and landscaped grounds.

The two-acre development just off Toft Green will include 127 luxury apartments, 34,500 sq ft of Grade-A office space and 5,000 sq ft of other commercial uses, located in four buildings around a landscaped central courtyard.

It will also involve a new landscaped link from the railway station, opposite the site, through to Toft Green.

The Archbishop, Dr John Sentamu, said he was delighted to conduct the ground breaking ceremony. “It signals work is starting on this ambitious development in the heart of York that will provide a high quality new place for people to live and work,” he said.

“This site has been under-utilised for many years and these plans will breathe new life into the area.The proposals have a wow factor and I look forward to seeing it being built over the next two years.”

The development is expected to be completed in spring 2021.

Andrew Murray, managing director of Caddick Construction, the main contractor, said the development would see a dormant site brought back to life in the heart of York.

“Now that the Caddick team are on site they are eager to start on the visual transformation of the Hudson Quarter, providing much-needed quality homes, offices and commercial space,” he said, adding that its position near the railway station also meant it was "very sustainable" and it would quickly become a landmark seen by commuters using the station every day.