National Railway Museum project set for green light

Detailed plans for a significant new building at the National Railway Museum (NRM) in York, forming part of the wider York Central scheme, are recommended for approval next week (20 June 2022).The museum submitted a reserved matters application to City of York Council in December 2021 for the construction of a new Central Hall.Central Hall would comprise a new welcome space and gallery located between the museum’s Great Hall and Station Hall. It is designed to unite the museum buildings and is a cornerstone of its Vision 2025 strategy.The plans also include a new Wonderlab, aimed at inspiring children to think like engineers through experience, interactivity and play.Central Hall will feature a gallery showcasing the latest innovations in rail technology, a café overlooking the new museum square, shop, flexible event space and new visitor facilities, including changing places.It has been estimated that the development could create roles for an additional 35 staff and opportunities for up to 150 additional volunteers and casual staff.The application will go before the council’s Planning Committee A on 20 June and is recommended for approval, subject to conditions, in an officer’s report prepared for the meeting.The report said: “The proposals provide a satisfactory layout, appearance, scale and landscaping scheme which accord with the outline Design Guide and would enhance the character and appearance of this area.”The economic benefits arising from the scheme are recognised and the contribution the proposals will make to the city are supported by the council’s Economic Development Team.”The NRM’s project team previously undertook a public consultation on the plans, which helped inform the Vision for Central Hall.The Central Hall plans form an early stage of York Central, the 111-acre regeneration site which is a partnership with Network Rail, Homes England, City of York Council and the museum.Outline planning permission was granted for the York Central development in 2019, including the expansion of the museum. The project is set to create up to 2,500 homes and more than 800,000 sq ft of commercial space as part of a new commercial and residential quarter for the city.The improvements are expected to be completed by 2025, which will mark the museum’s 50th Anniversary. The Vision 2025 plans aim to increase visitor numbers to the museum from 750,000 to 1.2 million visitors per annum.Architecture practice Feilden Fowles is leading the design team on Central Hall, having won an international competition in 2020.