York Central

York Central is a landmark £2 billion regeneration scheme that will transform 45 hectares of brownfield land beside York Railway Station into a vibrant new city quarter.

Phase 1C will deliver 999 homes, a 99,000 sq ft innovation hub, 69,000 sq ft of retail and leisure, extensive parkland, and two civic squares. Central to this phase are a 213-bedroom hotel and a new western station entrance, designed by 3DReid.

Both buildings are positioned to front directly onto a new square, creating a welcoming gateway into the development. The hotel has been conceived as a contemporary landmark, offering hospitality and leisure facilities that activate the square and bring life to the public realm. The western station entrance is designed to improve connectivity, providing a clear and accessible route into the city while framing views across the square.

Together, these two structures establish a strong architectural presence and set the tone for the wider regeneration. They anchor the square as a destination, blending transport, hospitality, and public space into a cohesive urban experience. By combining functionality with placemaking, the designs contribute to York Central’s ambition to deliver a world‑class living, leisure, and commercial quarter that connects seamlessly with the historic city centre.

It is being brought forward by joint venture development partners McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate, Homes England and Network Rail, in close collaboration with key stakeholders, the City of York Council and the National Railway Museum.

York Central has secured £135 million of Government funding and is expected to create up to 6,500 jobs, adding £1.1 billion to York’s economy. In total, the project will deliver up to 2,500 homes, one million sq ft of commercial space, and extensive green areas, establishing a world-class destination for living, working, and leisure.