Helmsley secures York green light
Residential conversion of upper floors at the grade two-listed 24-25 High Ousegate has been signed off by City of York Council.
The project reflects part of developer Helmsley Group’s drive to reanimate the retail core of the city, increasing city living and improving public realm – the key part of its ambitions being the Coney Street Riverside project, which could see 250,000 sq ft of mixed-use space broguht forward.
Helmsley’s High Ousegate scheme will see six apartments created, accessed via a new staircase at 9 Coppergate, and will allow the historically sensitive reinstatement of residential use to the upper floors of the building, currently used only for retail storage.
The 24-25 High Ousegate building, currently leased by the Card Factory, mostly dates from the 19th century, reflecting an original example of a purpose-built commercial property at ground floor with residential above.
The Coppergate entrance will have a courtyard at first floor level. Credit: via Aberfield
The plans have been backed by York Civic Trust, which said it “welcomes a proposal which provides a sustainable use for the vacant upper floors of historic buildings in central York”.
Approving the plans, City of York Council planners said the proposals will have minimal impact on the “historic form” of the address and will “aid in creating a viable use for the heritage asset”.
As well as upper floors within the Coney Street scheme, Helmsley has similar intentions on Spurriergate, King’s Square and Goodramgate.
Helmsley also expects its Coney Street proposals to be determined in the coming weeks.
Max Reeves, director at Helmsley Group, added: “This is an exciting time for Helmsley Group, with several projects moving forward at pace. Our project at 24-25 High Ousegate is another strong demonstration of our strong track record in sensitively repurposing buildings of historical significance in York city centre.
“As a long-established York-based business we are passionate about the ongoing success of the city and through our Coney Street Riverside masterplan, alongside projects such as this, we continue to work collaboratively to ensure York is a great place to live, work and visit.”
