York Central inspires next generation of architects

27 Oct 2025 | York Central

University of York Students find out more about this new planned city quarter through a site tour and guest lecture

A group of architecture students from the University of York visiting York Central

The York Central development team has launched a new partnership with the recently opened York School of Architecture, welcoming the first cohort of students with a guest lecture and guided tour of the site.

The collaboration began last month when Jack Stephenson, architect at Allies and Morrison, the masterplan architects behind York Central, delivered a special lecture introducing the students to the design principles and ambition of the project.

The event was followed by a site tour and Q&A session with 53 first-year architecture students, marking their first in-depth engagement with one of the most significant regeneration projects in the UK.

The visit formed part of the students’ early university studies exploring “The Construction Industry as an Important Sector of the Economy”. It offered valuable insight into the scale and complexity of York Central, which will create a new city quarter for the city, delivering homes, workspaces, public spaces and cultural opportunities in the heart of York.

Some of the students also then took part in the recently launched consultation on the next phase of the exciting proposals.

The partnership will continue over the coming years, with further site visits already planned for spring 2027 and spring 2028, when students will return to see the designs evolve into construction as part of their Professional Practice module.

“This collaboration will allow future architects to experience one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects first-hand, from concept and planning through to construction. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect education with real-world urban design in their own city.” - Karen Stafeckis, York Central Development Director at McLaren Property

“It was a pleasure to organise an event with CHY Consultancy and Allies and Morrison, focused on the York Central site. Having such a significant project in close proximity to the University provides an invaluable resource for our new cohort within the School of Architecture. We look forward to watching the site evolve over the coming years and to continuing our partnership with those involved — helping our students learn directly from the development of this major project." - Dean Ireland, Associate Lecturer at York School of Architecture

“The York Central development is an excellent opportunity for the University of York students to be part of a significant regeneration project in the centre of York and to see the project evolve over the next few years. They can learn from the award-winning design professionals who will be part of the project and will see innovation in master planning, design and construction as the project progresses.” - Lorraine Farrelly, Head of the Department of Architecture and the Built Environment at the University of York

"It was a pleasure to talk to first year architecture students at the University of York about my career and involvement in the delivery of York Central. I spoke about the history and constraints of the brownfield site; the planning process and the exciting proposals being brought forward in Phase 1. We then walked around the newly delivered infrastructure to communicate the scale of this remarkable regeneration project embedded in the fabric of York." - Jack Stephenson, Architect at Allies and Morrison

This is the first of many planned collaborations and events between York Central and the York School of Architecture, strengthening links between education, design, and the future of York’s built environment

McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate, as strategic development partners, are working closely with Homes England, Network Rail, City of York Council and the National Railway Museum to deliver York Central which has the potential to generate 6,500 jobs and grow York’s future economy by 20%, by adding £1.16bn GVA to the city.