Medieval-inspired aparthotel to open In York

A new hospitality venture is set to welcome guests this month after blending modern accommodation with architectural inspiration drawn from the York’s rich medieval heritage.

A new 46-suite aparthotel on Micklegate is opening following a regeneration project that combines contemporary design with York’s historic character.

The development has been designed by York-based architects brown + company and will be operated by aparthotel specialist SuperCity, which already runs sites in London, Manchester, Leeds, Brighton and Edinburgh.

Designed for longer-stay visitors, the self-contained apartment suites aim to cater for business travellers and other guests seeking a more flexible alternative to traditional hotel accommodation.

Located close to Micklegate Bar, one of York’s four main medieval gateways that was built directly into its city walls, the scheme was heavily influenced by the historic streetscape that has evolved over centuries from Roman times through the medieval and Georgian periods. 

The architectural approach draws on the form of medieval jettied timber-framed buildings while responding sensitively to the surrounding conservation area and neighbouring listed buildings.

brown + company worked alongside townscape and heritage consultancy Montagu Evans, national architectural partner Leach Rhodes Walker, O’Neill Associates Town Planning Consultants and York City Council’s design and conservation officers to deliver the project.

The site, formerly occupied by Minster Van Hire and the Jinnah restaurant, also presented significant challenges during construction. 

Opening plans were delayed after part of York’s original medieval wall was uncovered, prompting archaeological investigations that revealed artefacts dating back to the Roman era.

Roger Walters, founder and chairman of SuperCity, said: “Our design team have worked very closely with the team at brown + company.

“The original exterior was agreed with the City of York Council after careful deliberation to make the building form blend in with the character of York.”

The completed building is expected to contribute to the continued regeneration of Micklegate and strengthen York’s tourism and leisure economy.

Roger added that the city’s strong visitor numbers and demand from professionals staying in York for extended periods made the location an attractive investment opportunity. 

The aparthotel will also create 12.5 full-time and four part-time jobs and offers facilities including a 24-hour reception, free WiFi, lifts and accessible rooms.

Roger added: “It’s going to bring in a bit more permanency to the visitors, so people will hang around for a few days rather than come in and out of York.”

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