This is how a reimagined Roman Quarter would look in York.

These revised plans come in response to a shock City of York Council planning committee decision to reject the original scheme last February.

The development has been fully redesigned, taking on board feedback from the council and other stakeholders. 

Again the plans incorporate a major new Roman museum, to be called Eboracum.

But developers say this is “now a truly mixed-use development including, Grade A office space, an aparthotel and new homes”. 

The project is a partnership between joint applicants Rougier Street Developments, owners of the site, and York Archaeological Trust. 

Architect Vincent & Brown has remodelled the plans and the vision is now made-up of two distinct buildings, that showcase the Roman attraction and breathe new life into Rougier Street. 

The two blocks are the same height as the previous single buiding scheme, described as ‘monolithic’ and an ‘ugly duckling’ by councillors, but the design is more fluid.

This mixed-use scheme includes an 88-room aparthotel and 153 new apartments with both being run by ‘Beyond’ – an ‘innovative sustainable operator’.  “The sites will be carbon neutral minimise waste and use zero chemicals to clean to provide healthy spaces for guests, staff and the wider community,” say the developers.

An additional 25,000 sq ft of new Grade A Office space will complete the scheme, providing quality, modern office space in the heart of York city centre.

The proposed building will sit lower than its neighbours, the new Malmaison hotel, Aviva offices and The Grand Hotel. 

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The new proposals deliver vastly improved public realm with improved active frontages at ground level on Rougier Street. It will re-open a historic Roman street – Tanner Street – and provide a connection between Tanner’s Moat and Tanner Row, bringing a new vibrancy to this area with public open space and soft landscaping introduced.

Those behind the scheme say redeveloping Northern House, Rougier House and Society on Rougier Street will be “a major economic boost for York, delivering over £315m for the local economy over 30 years, as well as 625 new jobs for local people and a vibrant addition to the city’s cultural offer”.

A spokesperson for North Star, who are working alongside the applicants, said: “During the past year, we have worked closely with the Council and taken on board feedback to ensure that the new proposals offer as many benefits as possible and address the reasons for refusal.  

“We are grateful for the feedback from the Planning Committee and have addressed the comments that the previous design was ‘monolithic’ by making the design more fluid and breaking up the massing of the development. 

“The new plans retain the benefits of the original concept but in much improved design. 

“These plans offer a once in a generation opportunity to regenerate this part of the City Centre, as well as creating a globally unique Roman visitor attraction, in a high-quality mixed-use scheme. 

David Jennings, chief executive of the York Archaeological Trust said:“We are still very excited by this project, seeing how much the Roman Quarter can potentially contribute to York’s economy and future. 

Plans for the Coppergate Centre – including the basement attraction that became Jorvik – were approved at the second submission by members of a planning committee who shared the vision for an attraction that built on York’s heritage as part of a wider, mixed-use development.  We would urge their counterparts to do the same.”

A decision on the plans is expected in the coming months. Further information about the plans can be found at the Roman Quarter website.