Rowntree’s redevelopment closes on completion

The first show home is now open at Latimer’s overhaul of the 1890s-built York factory, where 30% of the 279 homes will be classed as affordable.

Latimer is the development arm of Clarion Housing Group. The professional team for the Haxby Road development includes Associated Architects, planner O’Neill Associates, geo-environmental advisor Hydrock, EWE Associates and TGP Landscape Architects

Richard Cook, group development director, said: “The Rowntree’s Factory is a truly iconic part of York’s history and it is a privilege to work on a project which will breathe new life into one of the city’s most famous institutions.

“The factory has an important legacy around social values – reflected in Joseph Rowntree’s philanthropy and the investments he made to provide school classrooms, gardens, dining halls, a gymnasium and even a lecture hall for his workers.

“As we usher in a new era at The Cocoa Works, we are committed to honouring this legacy and making sure it endures. Part of our ethos at Latimer is to deliver more for the communities in which we work – and that’s exactly what we are doing here by delivering fantastic new apartments while ensuring that a significant number of these are available to people through affordable means.”

Proposed interior of an apartment. Credit: Tigerbond

Clarion said that its research had shown that between 2019 and 2021, only 61 homes were available in York through low-cost home ownership.

Through The Cocoa Works, 84 apartments will be available through a shared ownership model this year alone, said the firm.

Cocoa Works will provide 279 new homes in total, with the first residents expected to move in this summer.

The project team includes Tegerdine Associates, Weedon Architects and Henry Boot Construction.

Work has also begun at Cocoa Gardens, an adjacent development also being delivered by Latimer. This is located within the grounds of the former Rowntree’s factory and will deliver a further 302 homes: 56 available through shared ownership and 54 through affordable rent.

The scheme includes 279 homes. Credit: Tigerbond