A major construction project is set to go ahead in York after councillors in the city voted in favour of it.
S Harrison Developments was applying for permission to complete a £35 million revamp of the site of the local newspaper the Press' offices. It plans to build brand new offices for the publication alongside extra accommodation for students who are studying in York.
As well as providing local professionals and academics with high-quality facilities, there are other benefits associated with the scheme. For instance, about 200 new construction jobs are due to be created as a result, while another 20 permanent positions should be formed once the new buildings are up and running.
The Press employs about 100 people and requires significant office space in order to run efficiently, bringing news to the people of the city. It is important for it to maintain a city centre presence and this will be the case with the new office.
In addition, some 58 purpose-built student flats and 303 studio apartments will also be constructed. These will be owned and run by Student Castle.
Chris Hale, design manager at S Harrison Developments, said: "The scheme sees an underutilised brownfield site redeveloped to deliver much-needed student accommodation for the city's growing student population. It will free up family homes in the city for use by York families, in line with the council's policy."
A brand new frontage will be created on t he Walmgate, boosting the aesthetic impact of this part of the city. As the council has now given the green light to the scheme, it is hoped that work could begin within the next few weeks, and the entire development is intended to be ready for the intake of students in September 2015.
Such a project could be good news for the people of York for a variety of reasons, and most notably the provision of hundreds of new construction jobs for local people to aim to secure.
