Homes England and Network Rail Property have partnered with McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate for the York Central project, which is set to be one of the UK’s most extensive urban regeneration efforts. This ambitious initiative will revamp a large brownfield site in York, introducing 2,500 new homes—20% designated as affordable housing—and developing a million square feet of commercial, retail, and hospitality spaces.

The project promises to enhance York Railway Station and the National Railway Museum, while the construction of new office and leisure facilities behind the station is expected to establish a significant employment zone in northern England. The scheme is anticipated to create up to 6,500 jobs and boost York’s economy by 20%, adding an estimated £1.1 billion in Gross Value Added.

Additionally, the plan includes a 17-acre urban park and extensive green spaces, making up half of the redevelopment area. These areas will be complemented by public squares designed to link the new development seamlessly with nearby neighbourhoods and the historic city centre.

Infrastructure works worth £135 million are already in progress, laying down 2km of new roads complete with dedicated bus lanes and paths for pedestrians and cyclists, and constructing two new bridges.

McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate have initiated community engagement and are preparing to submit detailed plans later this year. Leon Guyett from Homes England described this partnership as a vital advancement for York Central, highlighting the collaborative effort to realise this large-scale regeneration.

Tom Gilman of McLaren Property expressed enthusiasm about the project’s potential to meet the city’s housing and commercial needs while providing substantial economic and employment benefits. Allan Cook of Arlington Real Estate also remarked on the significance of the development, noting its potential to enrich both the local community and the broader economy, anchored by a new gateway to one of the UK’s key transport hubs.