City of York Council's planning committee has given its approval for the construction of a six-storey, 195,000ft² government hub, marking the first step in the York Central redevelopment initiative.  

York Central is said to be one of the UK's most extensive brownfield redevelopment projects. 

The partnership leading York Central comprises Homes England, Network Rail, City of York Council, and the National Railway Museum. 

The development will be executed by McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate, chosen as the private sector partners.  

Planning for the hub was put forward by these partners, alongside the Government Property Agency (GPA).

Prior to the application, stakeholders conducted public consultations to ensure community input and support for the York Central government hub project. 

Located adjacent to York's railway station, the project will include 135,000ft² of flexible office space, with ground-floor retail and ancillary areas.  

The design will incorporate solar panels, air-source heat pumps, a green roof, 230 cycle spaces, and a landscaped pedestrian zone. 

Set for completion by 2028 at the latest, the hub is set to accommodate up to 2,600 civil servants. 

GPA CEO Mark Bourgeois said: “We are delighted to achieve planning permission to develop this new facility, which will deliver a modern, inspirational and energy-efficient office development for up to 2,600 civil servants.

“It’s another milestone for us at the Government Property Agency to deliver smart, modern, sustainable and digitally connected workplaces that focus on improving productivity and well-being.”