York is to get a new Roman Quarter, after planners voted to approve the ambitious scheme tonight (Wednesday).
Plans to redevelop Rougier Street with a Roman museum called Eboracum, an 88-room aparthotel, 153 new apartments and office space, were voted through.
It was a close-run thing – the planning committee voted 6-5 in favour of the development, drawn up by applicants Rougier Street Developments, owners of the site, and York Archaeological Trust.
They say the Eboracum Roman museum, following a major archaeological dig on the site, could eventually attract more than 800K visitors each year.
At the meeting, which was postponed after the death of the Queen was announced last month, councillors questioned developers on whether the scheme is viable.
That followed an independent report suggesting the scheme would make a £28m loss, even if no affordable housing were included.
But they said they’re taking a “50 year view” of the development, and not trying to turn a quick profit. York Archaeological Trust would be the long-term tenant.
Eammon Keogh, for the developers, said a viability assessment showed they cannot afford to provide affordable housing – but a claw-back agreement has been reached with the council should profits be higher than expected.
There was also a discussion about the archaeological dig, with councillors asking, what would happen if little of historical value was unearthed?
But the applicants said there’s good existing archaeological evidence about the nature of the site, which is next to a Roman road.
On the other hand, if they found bumper treasures, archaeologists could essentially work overtime to complete the work in the allotted time.
More to follow.
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