Government hub in York given planning go ahead

An application to construct a six-storey, 18,100m² government hub, put forward by partners the Government Property Agency (GPA), Homes England and Network Rail, has been approved by the City of York Council Planning Committee.

Earmarked for completion by early 2028, the hub will be home for up to 2,600 civil servants. Building features will include solar panels, air source heat pumps and a green roof, as well as 230 cycle spaces and a planted pedestrian area.

The hub is the first part of York Central – a major initiative to redevelop a substantial area of land close to York city centre that will boost the regional economy.

Mark Bourgeois, the GPA’s CEO, said: “We are delighted to achieve planning permission to develop this new facility, which will deliver a modern, inspirational and energy-efficient office development for civil servants.

“The new hub will help to accelerate the York Central development, stimulate economic growth and investment in the North of England as well as supporting the transformation of the Civil Service.”

York Central is one of the largest brownfield sites in the UK, and is located next to the city’s railway station.

Robin Dobson, Group Property Director at Network Rail, added: “Creating high quality workspace is fundamental to the future success of York Central. Having attracted the GPA, it is great to have reached this important planning milestone ahead of seeing a new workforce bring this regeneration scheme to life.”