Roman attraction plans get the green light

Plans for a major mixed-use development in York city centre – including a new Roman visitor attraction – have been given the go-ahead.The original plans for The Roman Quarter project were refused by City of York Council’s Planning Committee in February 2021, despite a recommendation for approval.The development was subsequently fully redesigned, taking on board feedback from the council and other stakeholders, and new plans submitted in January.The proposed development includes the demolition of Northern House, Rougier House and Society Bar on Rougier Street to make way for a new mixed-use development featuring a Roman attraction (called EBORACUM), Grade A office space, an aparthotel and new homes.The project is a partnership between joint applicants Rougier Street Developments, owner of the site, and York Archaeological Trust.Architects’ practice Vincent & Brown has remodelled the plans, which now comprise two distinct buildings designed to showcase the Roman attraction and breathe new life into Rougier Street.The EBORACUM museum would celebrate the city’s early Roman past and boost the city’s visitor economy, as well as providing educational benefit. The new attraction would be more than twice the size of the JORVIK Viking Centre.The plans include a two-year archaeological dig, which would be streamed across the world and will give the opportunity for every school child in York to take part.Also included as part of the scheme is an 88-room aparthotel and 153 new apartments, with both set to run by sustainable operator Beyond. An additional 25,000 sq ft of new Grade A Office space would complete the scheme.It has been estimated that the development could generate more than £315m for the region’s economy over 30 years, as well as creating 625 jobs and providing a new addition to the city’s cultural offer.The plans were considered by the council’s Planning Committee A on 8 September but the meeting was adjourned following the announcement of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.Following the resumption of the meeting yesterday (5 October 2022), members voted to grant planning permission, subject to conditions. This was in-line with the recommendation of an officer’s report prepared for the meeting, as previously reported by Insider.