The City of York Council gives the green-light to AtkinsRéalis-designed Government eco-hub.

In the plans put forward by the Government Property Agency (GPA), Homes England and Network Rail, the new structure will offer 135,000 sq ft of flexible office space for up to 2,600 civil servants.

Green design features include solar panels, air source heat pumps, a green roof, 230 cycle spaces and a new planted pedestrian area.

The application’s sustainability statement shows that these features could help generate over 20% less carbon emissions of that of a building designed to Building Regulations 2021 Part L.

Planning also comes inclusive of a biodiversity maintenance plan, highlighting enhancement measures, of which tree and pole mounted bat and bird boxes and insect hotels are included.

The building’s green roof and planted pedestrian area both also offer ideal spaces for native species and wildflower planting in the effort to support local wildlife all year round.

York’s new eco-hub, which will sit atop a 45-acre brownfield site, is part of a wider leveling up agenda initiative in a bid to raise regional economics.

Project completion is penciled for 2027/28.