Plans approved for York factory transformation

Newby has secured detailed planning consent from the City of York Council to redevelop the historic, former Nestl� factory in York, Leeds City Region.

The Yorkshire Property developer plans to transform the factory on Haxby Road into 258 residential apartments and associated facilities with a new convenience store.

The landmark building, which has been empty since 2008, is a major heritage asset for York and Nestle has sought to find a suitable developer with the right vision to breathe new life into the site.

With a track record in converting historic buildings for modern day uses, Newby were selected in 2016 and subsequently worked with local interest groups to arrive at the predominantly residential scheme aptly named �Cocoa Works�.

Nick Moody, founding partner at Newby said, �We are delighted to receive detailed planning consent for our redevelopment plans which will deliver much needed new homes in York City Centre. Overall the public have shown overwhelming support for our proposals that give new life to a valued heritage building.

�The approved design will preserve the structure with little change to the fa�ade, and also restore features such as the memorial library, clocks, railings and covered walkway, whilst providing a revised internal configuration.�

The Cocoa Works scheme comprises a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments over six existing floors and includes a roof-top extension. The development seeks to provide accommodation to suit young professionals working in the city as well as families and those seeking to down size.

A new 4,000 sq ft convenience store, storage for 288 bicycles and 173 external parking spaces as well as landscaped areas with feature lighting to the front and back of the building are also proposed. A dedicated concierge facility which will be located in the former Grade 2 listed Joseph Rowntree Memorial Library.�

Axis Architecture has designed the scheme and York based O�Neill Associates is appointed planning consultant.