New future for “hideous” York eyesore

One of York’s most notorious eyesores is set to be transformed into a contemporary mixed-use building.Wetherby-based Oakgate Group has submitted plans which will radically change the appearance of Stonebow House, a 1960s brutalist building, with the aim of enhancing the eastern gateway to the city centre.Oakgate has bought the long leasehold of Stonebow House from the receivers of Brightsea SARL.The redevelopment will involve the upper floors of Stonebow House being converted into 20 luxury apartments, while on the lower floors much of the 1960s concrete will be removed. Space will be opened up and the building will be fully refurbished for modern commercial use.There will also be approximately 31,500 sq ft of retail and leisure space, including shops, cafes and restaurants. Current tenants, including Heron Foods and Corals Bookmakers, will be moving out.Stonebow House was built in 1964, following York’s slum clearance programme, and designed by Wells, Hickman and Partners. It has had a chequered history in the eyes of York residents and building experts and has often featured in worst building lists in the UK because of its imposing nature.It has been described by national architecture critics as “hideous” and “sheer visual misery”.If the planning application is approved, the renovations will take between 12 and 15 months to complete.The marketing agent for the retail part of the development is Lawrence Hannah of Blossom Street, York. The residential element will be handled by Hunters of York.