Plans have been submitted for an 11-storey apartment block and Roman visitor attraction to be built in York city centre.
The site will feature a “world-class” tourist attraction named Eboracum on the ground floor and basement, a shop, and 290 luxury residential apartments on the upper floors as well as a roof terrace.
The plans were submitted by York-based developer North Star and York Archaeological Trust (YAT).
Sensitive giant
“It has been designed to be an iconic building for York, whilst also fitting in with its sensitive surroundings.”
Surrounding buildings vary in height from three to nine storeys, according to the application.
Developers say the scheme will add an extra £252m to the York economy over the next 30 years and create more than 450 jobs.
The visitor attraction will become one of the UK’s must-see attractions – according to the report – and will feature “the sights, sounds and smells of Roman York”.
It is set to be completed in time for YAT’s 50th anniversary – in 2022.
Dig this city
David Jennings, YAT’s chief executive, said: “Before the Coppergate dig, York was known predominantly as a Roman city, but JORVIK Viking Centre changed that perception, and we’re now better known for our Viking heritage.”
He added:
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This dig is the most significant single Roman excavation ever undertaken in York.
We have the skills and expertise to explore, preserve and interpret everything we find to add more depth and colour to our understanding of Roman York, and the unique soil conditions here which preserve organic matter will give us more insight than ever before into how Roman citizens lived here – what they ate, how they cooked and even what illnesses were rife during this period.
The potential for discovery is enormous, and it is highly unusual for us to be able to plan a brand new, state-of-the-art visitor attraction to display our finds even as they are coming out of the ground.
What do you think?
You can see the plans here.
A North Star spokesman said:
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We have been very encouraged with the public response to the proposals since we launched them earlier this year.
People recognise the many benefits that this vision will bring and we firmly believe these plans will massively improve this part of the city centre and act as a catalyst for wider improvements.
The aim is to create an iconic building that the city can be proud of.
Decorative bronze panels highlighting York’s heritage and designed by a local artist will be installed on the building.
Intense competition
It adds: “The city of York is undergoing a period of significant change.”
“Its population is growing; its economy is diversifying; and its universities and colleges are some of the fastest growing educational institutions in the country.
“The competition for land to develop new homes, offices, tourist accommodation, and other activities is intense.
“York’s rich legacy of Roman, Viking, medieval and other period remains attract millions of visitors every year.”
If the Rougier Street scheme gets the green light, Northern House, Rougier House and Society Bar will be demolished to make way for the development.
Iconic building
“It has been designed to be an iconic building for York, whilst also fitting in with its sensitive surroundings.”
The application says surrounding buildings vary in height from three to nine storeys.
Developers say the scheme will add an extra £252m to the York economy over the next 30 years and create more than 450 jobs.
