UKREiiF Panel Discussion - York Central

Looking back at UKREiiF and a great panel discussion we attended on the progress of development at York Central – the York Central Showcase, chaired by Clare Frisby (BBC Look North).

It’s always interesting to learn more about one of the UK’s largest city-centre regeneration schemes located within the city we do so much of our work within and appreciate the challenges. 

What was reinforced through the discussion is that this shouldn’t be a development that’s simply dropped into the city — quite rightly, the conversation kept returning to the idea that it has to feel like a natural extension of York itself: expressing the place's character, diversity, heritage, architecture and economy, and being truly, physically connected to the rest of the city rather than sitting apart from it. 

Phase 1 is heavily residential-led, bringing forward 999 mixed-tenure homes designed for people of all means and at different stages of life — a genuinely inclusive approach to who gets to live in the new development. 

And perhaps the most encouraging aspect discussed is that this is not a pipe-dream. It has taken a long time to reach this point — but it is actually happening. We came away genuinely excited, and keen to watch how it emerges. As a York practice, this is the kind of city-shaping work that matters to us — and we'll be following its progress closely.

The panel consisted of:

Chair: Clare Frisby – BBC Look North

Jack Widdup – Development Director McLaren Property

Allan Cook – Arlington Real Estate

Councillor Claire Douglas – Leader City of York Council

Mayor David Skaith – Mayor of York & North Yorkshire

Chris Boardman CBE – National Active Travel Commissioner