The strategic partners behind the regeneration scheme has joined forces with the recently-opened York School of Architecture, welcoming the first cohort of students with a guest lecture and guided tour of the site.
The collaboration began last month when Jack Stephenson, architect at Allies and Morrison, the masterplan architects behind York Central, delivered a special lecture introducing the students to the design principles and ambition of the project.
The event was followed by a site tour and Q&A session with 53 first-year architecture students, marking their first in-depth engagement with one of the most significant regeneration projects in the UK.
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The visit formed part of the students’ early university studies exploring “The Construction Industry as an Important Sector of the Economy”.
It offered valuable insight into the scale and complexity of York Central, which will create a new city quarter for the city, delivering homes, workspaces, public spaces and cultural opportunities in the heart of York.
Some of the students also then took part in the recently launched consultation on the next phase of the major proposals.
The partnership will continue over the coming years, with further site visits already planned for spring 2027 and spring 2028, when students will return to see the designs evolve into construction as part of their Professional Practice module.
Karen Stafeckis, development director at McLaren Property, one of the strategic development partners for York Central said: “This collaboration will allow future architects to experience one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects first-hand, from concept and planning through to construction.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect education with real-world urban design in their own city.”
Dean Ireland, Associate Lecturer at York School of Architecture, said: “It was a pleasure to organise an event with CHY Consultancy and Allies and Morrison, focused on the York Central site.
“Having such a significant project in close proximity to the University provides an invaluable resource for our new cohort within the School of Architecture.
“We look forward to watching the site evolve over the coming years and to continuing our partnership with those involved — helping our students learn directly from the development of this major project”
Jack Stephenson, from Allies and Morrison, said: “It was a pleasure to talk to first year architecture students at the University of York about my career and involvement in the delivery of York Central.
“I spoke about the history and constraints of the brownfield site; the planning process and the exciting proposals being brought forward in Phase 1. We then walked around the newly delivered infrastructure to communicate the scale of this remarkable regeneration project embedded in the fabric of York.”
This is the first of many planned collaborations and events between York Central and the York School of Architecture, strengthening links between education, design, and the future of York’s built environment
McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate, as strategic development partners, are working closely with Homes England, Network Rail, City of York Council and the National Railway Museum to deliver York Central.
Altogether, they say the project has the potential to generate 6,500 jobs and grow York’s future economy by 20%, by adding £1.16bn GVA to the city.