Plans approved to transform former Nestlé factory in York

City of York Council has granted planning approval to property developer Newby to redevelop the former Nestlé factory in York.

Newby plans to transform the factory on Haxby Road into 258 residential apartments and associated facilities with a new convenience store.

The building has been empty since 2008. In 2016, Newby was appointed to the site which will be a predominantly residential scheme named ‘Cocoa Works’.

The Cocoa Works scheme comprises a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments over six existing floors and includes a roof-top extension.

A new 4,000 sq ft convenience store, storage for 288 bicycles and 173 external parking spaces, as well as landscaped areas with feature lighting to the front and back of the building, are also proposed.

A dedicated concierge facility which will be located in the former Grade-II listed Joseph Rowntree Memorial Library.

Nick Moody, founding partner at Newby, said: “We are delighted to receive detailed planning consent for our redevelopment plans which will deliver much needed new homes in York City Centre. Overall the public have shown overwhelming support for our proposals that give new life to a valued heritage building.

“The approved design will preserve the structure with little change to the façade, and also restore features such as the memorial library, clocks, railings and covered walkway, whilst providing a revised internal configuration.”

Axis Architecture has designed the scheme and York-based O’Neill Associates is appointed planning consultant.