Revised plans for York Railway Station submitted to reduce impact on characters of historic site

Revised plans have been submitted to transform one of the nation’s busiest railway stations after concerns were raised that the initial proposals would have impinged on its heritage.
York StationYork Station
York Station

York Council has drawn up the new blueprints for the proposed multi-million pound revamp of the city’s railway station, which dates back to the 1870s.

The redevelopment is seen as a key element for the landmark York Central development, which is centred on a sprawling 110-acre site around the railway station.

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However, York Council announced yesterday that revised proposals have been submitted for the scheme to reduce the impact on the historic station’s character.

Council leader Keith Aspden said: “The challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic have reinforced the need for us to be on the front foot with our key regeneration schemes, including the station front and York Central.

“York station has welcomed visitors and business to the city since 1877, whilst undergoing several redesigns to ensure it is fit for purpose. Over the coming years, the station is set to play a key role in the development of York Central, one of the largest city centre regenerations in Europe. This new design and layout will ensure it is a fitting gateway to our fantastic city.”

The revised plans have been drawn up following a major consultation with passengers, residents and key organisations including English Heritage.

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Major changes include a re-designed multi-storey car park to ensure that it fits in with the historical character of the station. The new plan would also see parking at the station moved into one designated area.

The lay-out of Parcel Square, a section of the station that was badly damaged during a German bombing raid in the Second World War, has also been redesigned so it is more in keeping with station heritage.

Discussions are being held with existing tenants in Parcel Square to ensure they are given a prime location in the remodelled station.

Five on-street parking spaces are due to be removed from Queen Street to allow a safer cycle route to promote active travel, whilst reducing congestion around the station.

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The York Central development, which would be created on one of the biggest brownfield sites in the country, has been heralded as a once in a lifetime opportunity to bring thousands of jobs and much-needed housing to the city.

Plans for the 110-acre site would see 6,500 jobs and 2,500 homes created, with a fifth of the properties allocated as affordable housing.

According to the latest figures from the Office of Rail and Road, nearly 1.3m passengers use York station each year.

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