Yorkshire Counties
News from within and outside those City Walls… By Andrew Hedley – Blacks Property Consultants, York
As a Practice that primarily is most active within the Greater York Area and one that handles a mix of retail, office and industrial prop- erty, many conversations invariably centre on how lucky I am to work in and around our historic City. With a strong preference for attending property viewings personally whenever possible, I know that the City itself will provide a start to any conversation. It needs no introduction.
When recently offering a shop in the City’s Parliament Street, it involved not only an inspection of the property with a good num- ber of Retailers, but one that often just had to take in a few notable attractions with our Visitor en route back to the office.
In recent weeks we have been entrusted to re-let one of those attrac- tions - a shop within one of the City’s earliest row of houses from 1316, known as Our Lady’s Row and located in Goodramgate. A retail pitch with units of various usual shapes and sizes (and age) that con- tinue to attract well-known multiples and private traders. Marketing has proved that this Grade l Listed Building’s 270 sq.ft. (25 sq.m.) of ground floor sales has never been more popular, attracting a wide range of retail uses and numerous offers.
Clearly a welcome view that such buildings continue to add value for many businesses. Ironically, opposite we have a row of modern units from the 1960’s; all fully occupied and prime examples of new and old creating an interesting mix in the City. As the original Developer told his Trainee (yours truly) many years later “… and those retail units were built to a standard size”. Certainly, a rare commodity in this City.
In readiness for the ‘season’, retail requirements are once again on the increase for units in our historic street; as usual the struggle is one of meeting the space requirement. As most know, York is a City of relatively small shops. Hopefully, the exciting redevelopment of
one side of the City’s prime pitch will assist in accommodating more new names. Elsewhere, in the historic core both Stonegate and Low Petergate continue to appear on many Requirement circulars, as they have done for many years.
Turning to the office sector and recalling an office letting of 25,000 sq.ft. just before Covid, our enquiry desk now reminds us how York continues to have a strong service sector. The contribution played by the rail and insurance sectors continues to be significant. Historically the City was also described as one having a multitude of small busi- nesses; the provision of professional services in its various forms continues to provide a supply of enquiries for offices.
However, the post Covid upturn in demand for small offices is clear, as Occupiers review their space requirements in the light of W.F.H. requests. I am regularly now being told by those in the market that there is a shortage of space; no doubt this will help the serviced space providers offering various types of space around the City.
We have very recently found that ‘offices above shops’, that is those that have not been converted to residential use, are proving an attraction once again, with numerous deals done ‘within the walls’.
Completing the tale from a very general commercial agency Practice, we are delighted to continue to be retained by numerous industrial parks, both within and just outside the City’s A1237/A64 outer ring road. Offering a range of modern and older space at appropriate rents, some currently even have availability. Our involvement con- tinues to cover the Bentley Park, Handley Park and Brooklands at Osbaldwick - just within the outer Ring Road.
Outside the Ring Road, the Hessay Industrial Estate to the West just off the A59 and Tholthorpe Business Park to the North just off the A19 currently have space on offer.
The Transformation of Eggborough Power Station
The redevelopment of Eggborough Power Station has been a significant and transformative project for the region, led by Core 62, a 50/50 joint venture between St Francis Group and Marshalls CDP. Since acquiring the site, the former power station has been successfully demolished down to ground level using a combination of mechanical and explo- sive demolition methods, clearing the way for new opportunities and developments that will bring long-term benefits to the local community and economy.
Infrastructure improvements have been a key aspect of the redevel- opment strategy. Through three separate Section 278 Agreements, the local highway and pedestrian network have been significantly enhanced. These upgrades not only improve connectivity but also ensure the area is well-prepared to support future commercial and community developments. Collaboration with North Yorkshire Highways and Selby District Council has been instrumental in achieving these improvements. According to Josh Penrose, Project Delivery Lead at St Francis Group “These upgrades will not only enhance access to the site but also benefit the wider community by improving safety and traffic flow.”
In addition to infrastructure improvements, Core 62 has prioritized community engagement and support. As part of their commitment to enhancing local amenities, new sports facilities, including a football club and a cricket pavilion, are under development and are set to be completed by Q3 2025. These new facilities will provide a much-needed boost to local sports and community engagement.
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“We see this as an opportunity to give back to the local area and ensure the redevelopment leaves a lasting positive impact beyond just com- mercial projects,” said Mr Penrose.
Another exciting milestone for the redevelopment has been the sale of approximately 40 acres to Microsoft, who have secured planning consent for a new data centre. To support this, an extensive earthworks exercise is currently underway and this development underscores Eggborough’s potential as a key hub for technological and industrial growth. “The investment from Microsoft is a strong vote of confi- dence in the site’s potential and marks the beginning of a new era for Eggborough,” Penrose added.
There is also significant interest in the remaining land, and Core 62 is actively exploring various opportunities for its development. The continued success of the scheme is a testament to the dedication of the Core 62 team and the collaborative efforts of partners, including Selby District Council and North Yorkshire Highways.
website:
www.stfrancisre.com tel: 01564 333 123 email:
info@stfrancisgroup.com
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MONTHLY 2025
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