City of York to Transform Waterfront with £88m Mixed-use Development
York’s historic Coney Street is on the verge of a major transformation with Helmsley Group’s ambitious £88 million Riverside project, which has recently been approved by the City of York Council. This mixed-use development covers 250,000 square feet and brings a range of commercial, residential, and leisure spaces to the city centre, aiming to rejuvenate a long-overlooked part of York along the River Ouse.
A balance of economic potential and historic preservation, this project will make York’s riverside more accessible and vibrant, strengthening the link between York’s urban landscape and its historical roots.
Unpacking the Coney Street Riverside masterplan
Helmsley Group’s master plan aims to redefine the area by merging contemporary needs with York’s historic character. Approved by York’s planning committee, the project features retail, residential, and leisure spaces across four zones, including both adaptive reuse of existing structures and new construction spanning three to six stories. A key feature of the masterplan is the introduction of a riverside walkway, designed to connect Coney Street directly to the River Ouse. The walkway will include restored lanes and passageways, enhancing public access and creating a visually appealing route that brings people closer to the river.
Helmsley’s architectural team, with contributions from firms like brown + company, has emphasized a design that maintains York’s charm by incorporating smaller retail spaces to encourage independent businesses, mirroring traditional shop sizes. This approach is expected to create a lively and economically viable space, drawing both residents and visitors to York’s historic centre.
Historical impact on York’s Central Conservation Area
As a part of York’s Central Conservation Area, the Coney Street Riverside project takes place on a site with significant heritage value. The project area includes 19-33 Coney Street and extends to Spurriergate, encompassing four listed buildings and several structures recognized for their architectural merit. The design integrates preservation techniques with accessibility improvements to honour the historical character while meeting modern accessibility standards.
To protect and elevate these historical elements, the Helmsley Group has incorporated conservation efforts to restore original facades and revitalize public spaces that reflect York’s past. “This design re-establishes Coney Street as a centrepiece of York by incorporating accessible, pedestrian-friendly lanes, enhancing both functionality and historical connection,” noted Neil Brown, director at brown + company.
Support from the local community and heritage stakeholders has underscored the project’s balanced approach. Sarah Czarnecki, president of the York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, expressed confidence in the project, highlighting the economic boost and community enrichment it promises. The project has been a ‘long-standing goal’ of city planners and advocates who aim to reconnect York’s central streets with the riverside, turning Coney Street into a vibrant, family-friendly destination.
Economic and social benefits for York’s community
The economic and community impact of this redevelopment is anticipated to be significant. The mixed-use space not only provides opportunities for new businesses but also creates jobs throughout construction and in retail, hospitality, and service industries afterward. Increased foot traffic is projected to enhance local spending and support smaller businesses along Coney Street, making it a thriving centre of activity once more.
Green spaces and family-friendly public areas play a central role in the design, transforming the riverfront into a more accessible, inclusive space. The masterplan integrates pedestrian walkways, green spaces, and communal zones, encouraging locals and visitors to explore York’s cultural heritage and scenic riverside. This community-oriented layout ensures that York’s new public spaces are accessible to all, inviting people of all ages and physical abilities to participate in and enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Moving forward, the Helmsley Group will progress through further development phases, subject to a smaller adjoining planning application expected to be approved in the near future. Construction milestones are planned over the coming years, with Helmsley Group committed to actively engaging local residents and stakeholders to align the project with York’s long-term urban planning goals. The project marks a once-in-a-generation chance to reconnect the city centre with the River Ouse, creating a public space that celebrates York’s legacy while evolving to meet the needs of future generations.
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