Plans are now in to demolish a York office block and build a big new hotel in its place.
Dakota Hotels, together with Evans Property Group, have submitted a planning application to City of York Council for the 140-room hotel on Rougier Street.
As we previously reported, it would go on the site of Northern House, the now-empty former HQ of Northern Rail, once that building is knocked down.
According to the plans, the Dakota Hotel would also have a bar, dining areas and top floor room terraces.
It would be accessed from both Rougier Street and Tanner’s Moat.
This planning application follows a public consultation including a drop-in session in September.
Discussions have also taken place with heritage, business and accessibility groups.
A spokesperson said the feedback had been “constructive”, with “several respondents recognising the need to regenerate this prime location with a high-quality hotel development”.
The existing Northern House site would be replaced with the new hotel, which would come with solar panels and air source heat pumps to make it more sustainable.
Marc Banks from Evans Property Group said: “A new Dakota at the Northern House site will help to transform this vacant building, create around 120 new jobs, and contribute to the regeneration of Rougier Street.
“We have been encouraged by feedback received from a range of city stakeholders with feedback informing the planning submission”.
Andrew Ovenstone from Dakota Hotels said: “We are excited to reach this milestone and we believe Dakota will add another choice of hotel, complementing the excellent hospitality offer in the city centre”.
A planning decision is expected next year.