Contractor announced for new homes at vacant gasworks site

WORK IS set to begin in the coming weeks to transform the vacant Heworth gasworks site in York into a new residential community.

Tolent has been appointed to start the remediation and infrastructure works that will pave the way for over 600 new homes on the former National Grid site.

York-based developer North Star gained planning approval in March to transform the nineacre site into a residential development including a community centre and a new neighbourhood park.

A large part of the site will be build-to-rent homes with the remainder being traditional apartments.

The initial works include replacing the existing gas infrastructure, putting the main gas pipe underground, completing the groundworks and remediation to then allow the construction of the apartments to start.

A spokesperson for North Star said: “We are really excited to finally start work on this complex site.

“Our vision will create new homes, park and community hub that will open up this derelict industrial site and create much needed high-quality new homes.”

She added: “Even in these uncertain economic times, we retain our strong commitment to delivering on this site and starting work on this site confirms this.”

Rick Halton, regional director for Tolent, said: “We’re delighted to be helping North Star get started on what is set to be a fantastic new development in York.”

He added: “Our team will be on site in August and we look forward to handing the site over in late spring 2021.”

National contractor Tolent is currently on a number of sites throughout Yorkshire creating new homes, supported living and student apartments for a number of clients.

Once Tolent hand over the site, work can begin on the new homes and landscaping the site.

Initial funding for the project was also announced recently, through specialist real estate funder Octopus.

Octopus Real Estate is providing a £18.3m loan secured against the major development site in the heart of York.