UK: The Roman Quarter mixed-use development in York has been granted planning consent by councillors.
Developer North Star’s plans for the Rougier Street site include a Roman museum, an 88-room aparthotel, 153 new apartments and office space. The aparthotel and apartments will be operated by Beyond Apartments and Aparthotels.
Initial plans had been rejected in 2021, however revised plans submitted in January were recommended for approval despite the scheme being branded “financially unviable” in August by Stannybrook Property Consultants. Stannybrook had been commissioned by City of York Council to conduct an independent financial viability assessment review (FAVR) on the development.
A city council committee granted planning permission for the development by six votes to five.
The plans will see the demolition of Northern House, Rougier House and Society Bar.
Rougier Street Developments, which owns the site, and partners York Archaeological Trust (YAT) said redeveloping the area would generate £315 million over 30 years and create 625 jobs.
Councillors were told the proposed museum would be named Eboracum, the Roman name for York, and could eventually attract more than 800,000 visitors each year.
A major archaeological dig on the site will take place before building work commences.
