By Lizzie Murphy

Published 8th Mar 2023, 16:45 BST

The site on Foss Islands Road in York, previously occupied by Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Just Tyres, is equidistant between the University of York and York St John University.

Gregory, a long established commercial and residential property developer in Yorkshire, has drawn up plans to build 138 studio apartments with seven communal rooms and amenities within a largely three-storey purpose-built building.

Instead of parking facilities, the proposals include an allocation of around 100 cycle spaces.

Gregory Properties plans to build 138 apartments to tackle a chronic shortage of purpose-built student accommodation after purchasing its latest Yorkshire site.

Harrogate-based Gregory Properties previously built the £40m Foss Islands Retail Park in 2007.

The group was also responsible for The Refinery, a 400-bed student scheme in central Leeds, shortlisted for national award recognition.

John McGhee, a director, and head of residential at Gregory Properties, is leading the project.

He is currently chair of trustees for York City FC Foundation which includes management of the York Girls Regional Talent Centre. Gregory Group is also a sponsor of York City Ladies Football Club.

He said: “Our commitment to York as an evolving city is long standing and we are passionate about repurposing brownfield sites in a sustainable way to support modern day use.

"This site is a prime example of an under-developed site with old, tired and outmoded buildings but well located for student provision.

“We know that York has one of the worst shortages of student accommodation in the UK.

"Affordable accommodation for students is a priority for both universities in attracting young talent and with this scheme, we hope that we can deliver against at least a small part of the current shortage.”

The proposals have been met with no objection from Historic England which has determined that scheme designs meet the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework, in particular in relation to proposals affecting heritage assets.

Gregory Properties has negotiated forward funding for the project from a London based fund which already owns over 400 student residential units in York.

Local contractor, GMI construction is also pre-appointed to deliver the scheme once planning consent has been secured.

Developer acquires Yorkshire site with plans to build 138 student apartments