Revealed: More big plans for Coney Street and York riverside
New plans for the transformation of Coney Street in York have been submitted to City of York Council.
These are part of the Helmsley Group Coney Street Riverside masterplan. One set of plans is already in, which would see the demolition of Boots to make a route to a new riverside walkway – read more about that here.
These new proposals affect numbers 3-7 Coney Street and include proposals to create a new snickelway connecting Coney Street to the riverside walkway.
The land is currently used for bin storage and is not utilised by the general public. Opening up this new connection will play a key role in re-connecting Coney Street to the river, the Helmsley Group says.
“The development will open up the ground floor of 5 Coney Street and create access through to the new snickelway and the riverfront.
“The existing shopfronts of the listed buildings at 3-7 Coney Street will also be sensitivity regenerated to reflect their historic character,” a spokesperson for the developers says.
Flats would be built on the upper floors of 3-7 Coney Street, which are currently unused.
“Retail space of a size aimed at independent businesses is proposed on the ground floors, and the creation of the new ginnel will allow for the introduction of new restaurants or cafés with external seating.
“This aligns with the ethos of Helmsley Group’s initial planning submission, which seeks to support local businesses, and attract independent retailers and leisure owners to the area.”
JD Sports currently trades from 3-7 Coney Street, but would have to move out under the plans.
“Helmsley Group is working with current tenants on Coney Street to relocate them within the existing scheme, should they wish to retain a presence,” the spokesperson said.
Development director at the Helmsley Group Max Reeves is overseeing the development.
He said: “This further planning application forms part of our long-held ambition to reconnect Coney Street with its riverfront, create much-needed public realm of national standing and improve both connectivity and accessibility within central York.
“It builds on our vision to honour the area’s rich heritage while sensitively taking the necessary strides required to secure its long-term future.
“As well as creating a welcoming, family friendly offer through the realisation of these plans, we’re also seeking to introduce much-needed affordable housing within the city centre.
“This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reinvigorate a much-loved but sadly under-appreciated area of the city centre, and one that has played such an important role in York’s history to date.”
Led by York-based developer the Helmsley Group, the Coney Street Riverside masterplan seeks to create 250,000 sq ft of mixed-use retail, leisure, commercial, residential and student space, alongside extensive public realm.