Office block loss to be tourism gain

The proposals, to bulldoze Holgate Villa on Holgate Road and replace it with the new four-storey hotel, were deferred by councillors in June for further public consultation.

But despite concerns over a loss of office space – it is estimated York will require an extra 200,000sqm of floorspace up to 2029 – and residents’ complaints that the proposed development would be an “eyesore” in the area, the plans are set for approval at a York Council planning committee on Thursday.

The current building dates back to the 1950s and the firm behind the project has said refurbishing it to convert it into the new hotel would not be economically viable.

If the scheme, which is being led by group The Villas Venture, is rubber-stamped by councillors, it would be the latest welcome addition to the city’s vital tourism economy.

York attracts 7.1m visitors every year, with tourism estimated to generate about £442m for the local economy annually.