“Ambitious” regeneration of historic York city centre destination takes a step forward

Yorkshire property specialist Helmsley Group has submitted a second planning application for its “ambitious” Coney Street Riverside masterplan.

The plans, submitted to City of York Council (CoYC), feature numbers 3-7 Coney Street and include proposals to create a new snickelway connecting Coney Street to the riverside walkway outlined in the initial planning application.

This new riverside connection will create a route by which the River Ouse can be accessed and this part of the city can be explored. The land is currently used for bin storage and is not utilised by the general public. Opening up this new connection will play a key role in re-connecting Coney Street to the river.

The development will open up the ground floor of 5 Coney Street and create access through to the new snickelway and the riverfront. The existing shopfronts of the listed buildings at 3-7 Coney Street will also be sensitively regenerated to reflect their historic character.

In addition to the creation of additional public realm through the introduction of the access route, the plans also introduce residential apartments into the currently unused upper floors of buildings 3-7.

Retail space of a size aimed at independent businesses is proposed on the ground floors, and the creation of the new ginnel will allow for the introduction of new restaurants or cafés with external seating.

This aligns with the ethos of Helmsley Group’s initial planning submission, which seeks to support local businesses, and attract independent retailers and leisure owners to the area. Helmsley Group is working with current tenants on Coney Street to relocate them within the existing scheme, should they wish to retain a presence.

Max Reeves, development director at the Helmsley Group, commented: “This further planning application forms part of our long-held ambition to reconnect Coney Street with its riverfront, create a much-needed public realm of national standing and improve both connectivity and accessibility within central York.

“It builds on our vision to honour the area’s rich heritage while sensitively taking the necessary strides required to secure its long-term future. As well as creating a welcoming, family friendly offer through the realisation of these plans, we’re also seeking to introduce much-needed affordable housing within the city centre.

“This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reinvigorate a much-loved but sadly under-appreciated area of the city centre, and one that has played such an important role in York’s history to date.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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