Notorious York eyesore to be transformed into contemporary mixed-use building

Stonebow House, one of York’s most notorious eyesores, is set to be transformed into an contemporary mixed-use building.

Wetherby-based Oakgate Group has submitted plans to the City of York Council this week which will change the appearance of 1960s brutalist building and enhance the eastern gateway to the city centre.

Oakgate has bought the long leasehold of Stonebow House from the joint LPA receivers of Brightsea SARL for an undisclosed sum.

The redevelopment will see the upper floors of Stonebow House converted into 20 luxury apartments, while on the lower floors much of the 1960s concrete will be removed.

Space will be opened up and the building will be fully refurbished for modern commercial use.

There will also be approx. 31,500 sq.ft of retail and leisure space, including shops, cafes and restaurants. The current tenants, including Heron Foods and Corals Bookmakers, will be moving out.

Richard France, managing director of Oakgate, commented: “This is a key gateway site into York City Centre. With the opening of the impressive new Hiscox building, the new boutique Moxy Hotel and the Hungate residential development progressing, it is the missing piece in the redevelopment jigsaw for this part of York.

“We will be keeping the structure, which is sound, but give it a new economic life by transforming the building’s appearance and internal space, thereby complimenting the regeneration of the Hungate area.

“Even at this early stage, there is a lot of interest from retailers and restaurant operators because of the new configuration of space and we expect to attract further significant investment, when the refurbishment works are complete.”

Built in 1964, Stonebow House was designed by Wells, Hickman and Partners. It has been described by national architecture critics as “hideous” and “sheer visual misery”, and out of place within an historic urban setting.

If the planning application is approved, the renovations will take between 12-15 months to complete.

The marketing agents for the retail part of the development are Lawrence Hannah of Blossom Street, York. The residential element will be handled by Hunters of York.

Miles Lawrence of Lawrence Hannah commented: “This imaginative redevelopment of Stonebow House will revitalize the Hungate area of York and provide an exciting range of retail opportunities. We anticipate a serious amount of interest in the retail space, providing a timely boost to York’s economy.”