McLaren Property, Arlington Partners Win Planning Approval for £2 Billion York Central Mixed-Use Scheme

City of York Council on Sept. 10 granted detailed planning approval for the first phase of York Central, clearing the way for McLaren Regeneration and Arlington Real Estate to advance a £2 billion mixed-use development on roughly 110 acres of brownfield land adjacent to York railway station.

The approval covers 1,014 homes — at least 20% designated for social and affordable rent and sale — alongside a 99,190-square-foot innovation hub, 67,447 square feet of retail and leisure space, a 213-bedroom hotel, and a new western entrance to York station with an accompanying civic square. Extensive parkland, public squares, courtyards, cycleways, and footpaths are also included in the consent.

Homes England and Network Rail hold joint landowner positions in the partnership. The scheme carries designations as both a Mayoral Development Zone and an Enterprise Zone, reflecting its regional significance.

Phase One Scope and Timeline

The newly approved phase builds on two components already consented: Museum Square and a Government Property Agency hub. The GPA hub is designed to accommodate up to 2,600 civil servants and anchors the commercial spine of the new district.

Site investigation works are set to begin immediately following the approval, with construction expected to start in 2027. The first buildings are targeted for occupation by early 2029, with full phase-one completion anticipated during 2030.

More than £135 million in government-funded infrastructure — including a new road network, public realm, and pedestrian and cycle routes — has already been completed on the site, providing the physical foundation for vertical construction.

John Gatley, chief executive officer of McLaren Property Group, said the approval marks a turning point from planning to delivery. "This is a major step forward in securing a prosperous future for the proud and historic city of York," Gatley said. "While it's the culmination of many years hard work by a committed public and private sector partnership, the real work starts now as we have the green light to convert our vision to reality."

Tom Gilman, Managing Director of McLaren Regeneration, described the consent as a milestone for the broader regional economy. "From the outset, our vision has been to deliver a place that is both worthy of its historical location but also forward looking, providing the space the city and its people need to continue to thrive long into the future," Gilman said.

Partners and Public Sector Backing

The York Central partnership brings together McLaren Regeneration, Arlington Real Estate, Homes England, and Network Rail, combining private capital with public land and infrastructure investment. The site is located at Leeman Road, York, and carries outline planning reference 18/01884/OUTM covering approximately 46.28 hectares.

Tom Bridges, Executive Regional Director for North East, Yorkshire and the Humber at Homes England, said the approval reflects the durability of the public-private structure assembled around the site. "York Central is a landmark scheme for the city and for regeneration across the region," Bridges said. "As joint landowner, we've worked to unlock this brownfield site with a vision to create the homes, jobs and public spaces York needs."

Stephen Hind, Director of Business Development and Sponsorship for Network Rail, noted the significance of repurposing underused rail land. "York Central shows what's possible when we make the most of under-used rail land in places where people want to live and work," Hind said.

Allan Cook, Founder of Arlington Real Estate, said the team approached the project as both an opportunity and a responsibility. "Designing and delivering a new city quarter, particularly in a world-renowned place like York, is a fantastic opportunity but also a huge responsibility," Cook said, adding that construction is expected to begin next summer with the first buildings completing in early 2029.

Cultural Anchor: National Railway Museum

The National Railway Museum is positioned as the cultural centerpiece of York Central. As part of the broader development, the museum's transformation includes a new Central Hall welcome building, additional permanent gallery space, and level access throughout the facility for the first time. The museum's campus integrates directly with Museum Square and the surrounding public realm.

Craig Bentley, Director of the National Railway Museum, said the institution welcomes the next stage of the project. "The National Railway Museum is proud to stand in partnership as the cultural heart of York Central," Bentley said.

Full Build-Out Projections

When complete, York Central is projected to support 6,500 jobs, deliver at least 2,500 homes across all phases, and provide more than 1,000,000 square feet of commercial space.

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said the £2 billion project will strengthen economic links across the North. Cllr. Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council, called the approval "another major step forward for one of the most significant regeneration projects in our city's history."

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said the project demonstrates the government's commitment to converting brownfield land into housing and employment. "By unlocking one of the biggest regeneration projects in the country, we're turning years of talk into action to drive growth in every region, raise living standards and build the homes communities desperately need," Rayner said.

Sources

McLaren Property — Great News for York and the North: Planning Approved to Deliver New City Quarter