We have worked collaboratively with the public and key city stakeholders to shape our vision for Coney Street, teaming up with exciting social enterprises such as Streetlife and proactively engaging with accessibility groups. This has enabled us to work towards a positive future for the area which puts people at its heart.
Coney Street Riverside masterplan given green light
Helmsley Group’s Coney Street Riverside masterplan has been highly praised and given the green light by City of York Council.
At a meeting of the council’s planning committee, members commended Helmsley’s leading approach to community engagement, said its vision would revitalise a neglected area and described the scheme as a “fantastic use of unused space”.
Concluding the discussion, Councillor Jonny Crawshaw, chair of the planning committee, said it was positive that Helmsley planned to sensitively put listed buildings back into use.
“This scheme is long overdue and is a really positive thing for York,” he said.
Members voted both the masterplan planning application and a separate listed building application through with overwhelming majorities.
A new and exciting chapter in its long and proud history
In its report ahead of a planning committee meeting to consider the plans, CoYC said “there are multiple public benefits to the scheme which cumulatively are substantial; they are economic, social and environmental”.
It added that after applying national and local planning policy alongside other criteria to Helmsley’s plans, the benefits of the scheme “clearly outweigh” any potential harm and justified the approval of the scheme.
Helmsley, which first submitted its plans for Coney Street Riverside in 2022, has worked collaboratively with key city stakeholders and the public throughout to ensure the scheme meets the needs of all.
It has the backing of prominent groups including York Civic Trust and York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.
Sarah Czarnecki, president of York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Chamber is highly supportive of the plans for Coney Street Riverside put forward by Helmsley Group and it is our firm view that they should be given the green light.
“Given the huge economic, social and historic benefits this will bring, we trust that elected officials on the planning committee will recognise the once in a generation opportunity the scheme will bring to York.
“Thanks to Helmsley Group, Coney Street looks set for a new and exciting chapter in its long and proud history.”
Read the full story including reaction from Helmsley Group Director, Max Reeves, here.
Economic and jobs boost for York as Coney Street Riverside benefits revealed
Independent research has found that our plans to regenerate Coney Street and connect the high street with the riverside will bring almost £175m of economic benefits to York over the next 15 years.
The independent research found the scheme will directly create more than 1,150 permanent and temporary jobs, and that for every £1 invested in the delivery of the scheme, £3.93 will be generated for the local economy.
Positive impacts will also be seen in increased retail and leisure spending at Coney Street, further investment in local amenities, land value improvements, and the additional economic contributions of businesses based in heritage buildings at the scheme, the research found.
You can let us know your thoughts on the proposals here.
Overwhelming backing
Our plans have received huge positive support, including from York Civic Trust which has described Coney Street Riverside as a “once in a century opportunity”.
– 95% of people say the scheme will be a positive addition to York city centre
– 95% say it will successfully reconnect Coney Street with the riverfront
– 93% feel favourably towards our vision
– And thanks to our heritage-led approach to regeneration, 83% think the plans will positively impact existing buildings
“The Hight Street Forum has long been supportive of the regeneration of Coney Street and we can’t wait to see spades in the ground to move it forward for the next part of its journey as a retail destination.”
Phil Pinder, Chair of York High Street Forum
“We believe these plans will help to regenerate this part of the city centre in a manner sympathetic to the environment and heritage of our city.”
Laurence Beardmore, President of York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce
“The revised scheme addresses issues we raised, and the modest impact on heritage and setting has been balanced by positives from the scheme. We therefore support the application.”
Andrew Morrison, Chief Executive of York Civic Trust
A golden opportunity
At the heart of our masterplan is:
– The creation of 250,000 sq ft of mixed-use retail, leisure, commercial and residential space.
– An accessible world class public realm designed by internationally renowned architects, for the people of York, realising a 50-year ambition to bring the riverfront back to life.
– Repurposing previously underutilised vacant upper floors for residential and commercial use.
– Being a positive catalyst for city-wide inward investment.
“This is a once-in-a-generation project and is much needed to bring back the charm of Coney Street!”
Supportive York resident
Find out more
For more information on what we’re doing to support businesses and individuals on Coney Street, follow our dedicated LinkedIn page.
