Coney Street Riverside:
A York Original
Our vision is to create a welcoming and vibrant city centre destination for visitors and the local community to enjoy and for Coney Street Riverside to act as a positive catalyst for city-wide inward investment.
Led by long established York business Helmsley Group and working closely with key partners and stakeholders, we aim to enhance York’s unique character by creatively linking the riverside with the high street in ways which surprise, delight and entertain.
Masterplan
Vision
- Up to 250,000 sq ft of mixed-use, sustainable development
- Creation of new and accessible curated public space
- Realising a 50 year ambition to reconnect York with the river
- Repurposed use of underutilised upper floor space
- New build elements providing additional student accommodation
- Making the best city in the UK, even better!
Coney Street Regeneration
As one of York’s main thoroughfares, thousands of people walk along Coney Street every day. However, high streets across the UK are facing challenging times and despite Coney Street’s central location, there are a number of vacant and unloved buildings.
Following a strategic programme of site assembly, we aim to sensitively redevelop Coney Street as the social heart of York city centre, home to high-quality and distinctive independent retailers, boasting a first-class food and beverage offer and providing visitors – local, national and international – with an engaging and vibrant experience throughout the day.
Bringing the riverfront to life
The stretch of the River Ouse that runs parallel to Coney Street is currently inaccessible. Through the sensitive introduction of high-quality, contemporary architecture, our vision is to bring the riverfront to life, connecting people to this natural wonder, and making it accessible to all.
We plan the creation of a new riverside walkway and public spaces which will rejuvenate the riverside, form new connections and transform it into a must experience destination.
New public spaces
Creating a warm sense of community is key to our vision for Coney Street Riverside.
To achieve this, we will use its existing streets and spaces as well as creating new and exciting points along the river to establish public realm of national standing. Including green spaces and seating areas, these will leave a positive impact on the environment and the people who live in York and visit the city.
Connecting people and place
We will provide exciting and positive experiences for visitors and residents by improving Coney Street, the riverfront and, importantly, the historic lanes and passageways that join them together.
Our vision is to revitalise many of these existing access points and create new ones, helping to connect people both physically and socially with Coney Street Riverside’s architecture, entertainment and public spaces.
Future-proofing heritage
We recognise the vitally important role that Coney Street and its riverfront have played in York’s long history and which they continue to do today. That is why our vision for Coney Street Riverside has that history at its heart.
This offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sensitively preserve its story and historic buildings, while blending new architecture seamlessly with the area’s unique historical and cultural heritage for future generations to enjoy and benefit from.
