The application to construct a six-storey, 195,000 sq ft government hub, put forward by partners Network Rail, Homes England and the Government Property Agency (GPA) has been approved by the City of York Council Planning Committee.

Earmarked for completion in 2027/2028, the hub will be home to up to 2,600 civil servants. Building features include solar panels, air source heat pumps and a green roof, as well as 230 cycle spaces and a planted pedestrian area.

The development includes 135,000 sq ft of flexible office space, with ground floor retail and ancillary space.

The hub is the first part of York Central – a major initiative to redevelop a substantial area of land next to York Station and boost the regional economy.

York Central is one of the largest brownfield sites in the UK. The scheme is being brought forward by a collaborative partnership between Homes England, Network Rail, the City of York Council and the National Railway Museum. It will be developed by private sector partners McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate.

There has been extensive public consultation prior to the submission of the York Central government hub application.