Hotel for historic terrace likely to be approved
An 88 Bedroom hotel looks set to fill the historic terrace next door to the University of York’s King’s Manor site.
St Leonard’s Place, a 19th Century terrace that is currently used as offices by City of York Council, will be turned into a hotel if the plans are approved.
The plans, which also include a restaurant and bar, are available to view on the city council’s website in full.
No company has yet agreed to operate the hotel, however in the application the company behind the development says there is a “known commercial interest for the development of additional high-end quality accommodation within the central area of York.”
The terrace was built as a property speculation in the 1830s, as part of a broader scheme which included the De Grey Rooms opposite. Number One was originally used as a Library, although the majority were houses. The buildings are Grade II* listed, the second highest grade, although an 1850s addition to the terrace on Museum Street, is Grade II listed.
They are York’s only “Crescent” terrace, built on the site of the St Leonard’s hospital in a corner of the Roman Fort. A small portion of the Roman walls exists within the grounds.
The Terrace is owned by Rushbond PLC, which bought the site in 2006 and then leased it back to the City of York Council. The Council is currently reorganising its offices in York at a cost of £43.8m to reduce the number of office buildings used by the council from sixteen to two.
A comment from English Heritage on the application said that “we broadly support the principle of using the building as a hotel.” Before adding comments concerning the “provisional” nature of the plans and the possible impact they may have once the project is given the go-ahead.
In the application however it is stated that English Heritage have been consulted and that “The sensitive design of the Proposal has ensured the retention of those historic features of particular interest and the removal of those which detract from the Buildings‟ notable historic significance.”
A comment to the council from Visit York notes that “over 600 extra beds” are currently planned or being added to the city’s hotel supply already.
