York Buildings News: Architecture Designs
post updated 3 June 2026
3 June 2026
Medieval-inspired York Aparthotel To Open This Month
Design: brown + company architects
This month sees the launch of a new aparthotel in York, a thoughtful and sustainable 21st century response to the medieval history of Micklegate, combining modern comfort with a strong sense of place and heritage.
The 46-suite hotel in Micklegate, which has been designed by leading York architects brown + company, features self-contained apartment units that are aimed at people having longer stays in York.
It is being operated by SuperCity, which already has similar aparthotels in London, Manchester, Leeds, Brighton and Edinburgh.
Blossom Street-based architects brown + company have worked on major York developments such as Coney Street Riverside and the remodeling of the campus at St Peter’s School.
Roger Walters, founder and chairman of SuperCity, commented: “Our design team have worked very closely with the team at brown + company. The original exterior was agreed with the City of York Council after careful deliberation to make the building form blend in with the character of York.
“It has been a pleasure to work with brown + company. They have supported us throughout the construction and planning stages. I highly recommend the practice and will definitely use them on our next project.”
This successful development in York is testimony to brown + company’s established practice of working seamlessly with best-in-class partners to deliver unique solutions for complex projects. brown + company worked collaboratively with Montagu Evans, London-based townscape and heritage consultants.
The aparthotel’s surroundings were a key influence on its medieval-inspired design. Micklegate has long presented a streetscape rich in architectural diversity, with the former Roman road playing a significant role throughout each of York’s historical eras.
The name Micklegate, meaning “Great Street,” is derived from the Old Norse Myglagata, while Micklegate Bar later became an important element of the city’s medieval defences. During the medieval period, a substantial Benedictine Priory dominated the south-east side of the street, while, over time, the north-west side evolved to accommodate the elegant Georgian townhouses that remain today.
brown + company’s design strategy was to create a contemporary 21st-century building that responds sensitively to the context of this historically significant streetscape. The objective was to deliver a solution that enhances the area without adversely affecting the conservation area or its adjacent listed buildings. Working within stringent planning and heritage requirements made this a particularly rewarding project for the architectural team, whose aim was to manage change while preserving the site’s cultural significance.
The design approach drew inspiration from the medieval jettied timber-framed buildings that once occupied the south-east side of Micklegate. A jettied timber-framed building is a medieval construction form in which upper floors project beyond the floor below, creating additional internal space without encroaching on the streets beneath. The scheme also carefully considered rooftop views from York’s historic city walls, as well as key viewpoints along Micklegate itself.
To successfully deliver this complex project, brown + company worked closely with its respected national partner, Leach Rhodes Walker. Their expertise in resolving challenging technical details contributed to a streamlined project experience and successful delivery for the client.
In parallel, brown + company’s long-standing working relationship with O’Neill Associates Town Planning Consultants and York City Council’s Design and Conservation Officers ensured the development responded sensitively to its historic context through a contemporary architectural solution.
The completed sustainable building preserves Micklegate’s architectural and historic character while delivering a scheme that creates meaningful urban value through placemaking. The development contributes to the continued regeneration of Micklegate, helping to position the street once again at the forefront of York’s tourism and leisure economy.
The location, a stone’s throw from Micklegate Bar, was previously home to Minster Van Hire and the Jinnah restaurant, both of which – unlike most of Micklegate – were unlisted.
The aparthotel was initially due to open in 2023 but was delayed by almost a year after part of York’s original medieval wall was found at the site. The site had to be excavated with archaeologists finding items which dated back to the Roman period.
brown + company are based in York and the team feel this local perspective has given them a vested interest in doing something that’s quite special for the city and works for the people who live here. Their care for the local area fueled their intention to provide a building that people will appreciate and enjoy for many years.
Meanwhile Roger Walters said 12.5 full-time and four part-time jobs will be created by the new hotel.
He said SuperCity decided to open in Micklegate after being attracted to York’s high visitor footfall, but feeling there was a gap in the market for people staying in the city while working.
Mr Walters said he felt there were few options for businesspeople to make their temporary base while staying in York for longer periods, despite the city’s high number of short-term let properties.
He also hopes the new aparthotel’s city centre location – walking distance from the railway station – will encourage people to stay in York while working nearby, which will help boost the local economy.
“It’s going to bring in a bit more permanency to the visitors, so people will hang around for a few days rather than come in and out of York,” he said.
Mr Walters said the aparthotel is primarily aimed at people on longer stays in York but will also offer rooms to people on shorter breaks in the city, such as tourists.
SuperCity, Mr Walters said, initially viewed a site at the former gasworks site in Heworth Green but opted for Micklegate as the firm wanted a location within York’s city walls.
The new aparthotel features 46 beautifully designed apartment suites that seamlessly combine luxury, practicality, and comfort. Each suite is thoughtfully curated, showcasing a distinctive art collection and original artifacts uncovered during the building’s development, adding a touch of historical charm to the modern amenities.
Facilities include: Lifts; 24 Hour Front Desk; Free Wifi; and easily accessible rooms.
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16 December 2025
York Central
Masterplan: Allies and Morrison ; Landscape and public realm: Grant Associates
image courtesy of architects practice
2 November 2025
York Minster Centre of Excellence for Heritage Craft
Design: tonkin liu
photo © Chapter Of York
Stepping up to the challenges of caring for heritage buildings in the 21st century has become increasingly urgent, with only 13 cathedrals of the 42 Anglican Cathedrals continuing to have dedicated craftspeople.
9 May 2025
RIBA Yorkshire Award winners 2025 Winners
Wonderlab The Bramall Gallery, National Railway Museum York:
photo © Hufton+Crow
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York Architecture News
York Architecture News in 2022 to 2023, chronological list:
15 June 2023
New Lodge in New Earswick, near York, North Yorkshire
Design: PRP Architects
photo courtesy of Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust
New Lodge was completed in November 2021. It comprises of a registered care home and apartments for people over the age of 55. Residents living in the apartments can access additional care and support if required.
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New Yorkshire architectural developments in northern England in 2022:
27 May 2022
York Minster Stonemasonry Training Centre
Design: Tonkin Liu
image courtesy of architecture practice
Plans to establish the York Minster Precinct as a world class campus facility for research, education and training in ancient craft skills have taken a major step forward. The Centre of Excellence for Heritage Craft Skills and Estate Management will bring benefits including continuing the craft of stonemasonry and encouraging global learning and knowledge sharing, as well as being a shining example of best practice in managing complex heritage estates.
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Modern Yorkshire built environment designs news for 2021:
6 Nov 2021
York Minster Centre of Excellence Building Design
Design: tonkin liu
image courtesy of architects practice
Tonkin Liu has won a competition to provide facilities that establish the York Minster Precinct as an internationally recognised Centre of Excellence for heritage craft skills. Three architecture practices (confidential) submitted designs as part of an invited competition. The vision for a world-class centre for research, education, and training is a key element of the York Minster Precinct Neighbourhood Plan.
6 Aug 2021
Malmaison York luxury hotel
Design: Dexter Moren Associates
photo © Jack Hardy
Global hospitality design specialist Dexter Moren Associates (DMA) is celebrating the opening of Malmaison York, a 150-room luxury hotel that boasts York’s highest rooftop bar with breath-taking views of York Minster and the historic city beyond.
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York Buildings Designs in 2011 to 2020
13 Feb 2020
Finalist design concepts for National Railway Museum’s Central Hall revealed
Located in the heart of York, one of the world’s most important railway cities, the National Railway Museum is set for a transformation. The museum is poised to become the cultural anchor for York Central, one of the largest city centre brownfield regeneration projects in the UK, and indeed Europe.
entry by Heneghan Peng Architects with Arup and PFB Construction Management Services:
image courtesy of architects
National Railway Museum York Design Competition News
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Interserve wins £5.8m contact to redevelop Medical School facilities at the University of York
17 July 2019, York Buildings news – Interserve Group Limited, the international support services, construction and equipment group, has been appointed by the University of York to re-design and build its Hull York Medical School facilities as the university invests £5.8m in its campus.
Hull York Medical School building – HYMS Entrance First Floor:
image courtesy of Interserve Group
This new contract win is the seventh major healthcare business win secured by Interserve in the past 12 months with a combined value of more than £130m. Other significant contract wins include the £50m programme of works for Nottinghamshire NHS Foundation Trust and the contact to build obstetric and neonatal facilities at Glangwili Hospital for the Hywel Dda University Health Board.
The fast-track design and build project will include a complete redesign of the existing medical school building, and provision of new clinical skills spaces within the Seebohm Rowntree Building which will transform the School’s facilities at York.
A central feature of the redesign will be a new real-life, problem-based learning suite and collaborative learning space for students on the first floor of the Medical School building. Students will also benefit from close proximity to the growing Health Professions Education Unit which is at the forefront of developments in health education.
It follows the announcement that Hull York Medical School was awarded an additional 90 undergraduate medicine places as part of the Government’s expansion of undergraduate medical education.
Over the last few years, Interserve has successfully worked in collaboration with the University of York to deliver a number of award-winning buildings, including the new Piazza and Biology buildings and the exemplar £20m Allam Medical Building in Hull in 2017, another inspirational building which is occupied by the Hull York Medical School.
Professor Brian Fulton, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences at the University of York said: “We are delighted to be working with Interserve and colleagues across the Medical School and University to develop facilities for medicine students and in doing so explore opportunities for students across health disciplines to train side by side.”
John Gittins, Division Director at Interserve, said: “We are delighted to once again be working with the Hull York Medical School having previously delivered the new Piazza building at the York and the Allam Medical Building in Hull. These facilities have provided inspirational spaces to work and study for staff and students and underscore Interserve’s expertise and capability in the education and healthcare sector.
“Our work with Hull York Medical School marks the seventh major healthcare business win for Interserve in the past 12 months with a combined value of more than £130m.”
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23 Mar 2018
York St. John University Creative Centre Building
Design: Tate Harmer, Architects
image courtesy of architects
Tate Harmer has won an architecture competition to design a new arts, design and performance centre for York St. John University.
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2 Apr 2012
York Art Gallery Building
Design: Ushida Findlay
image courtesy of YAG
A £3.5 million grant from the Arts Council Capital Fund has been earmarked for York Museums Trust for its ambitious plans for York Art Gallery.
The Arts Council have given their initial backing to award £3.5 million towards the £7.6 million development of the gallery which is set to be completed in Easter 2015.
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19 May 2011
Heslington East Masterplan – York University
Design: BDP
photograph © Martine Hamilton Knight
The site, acquired in 2007 and masterplanned by BDP, is adjacent to the original 1960s university campus will eventually double the size of the university. The landscaping presents pedestrians and cyclists with a series of routes and vistas and sets out to ensure that the site is not dominated by highways and parking.
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York Architecture
Key Yorkshire Buildings / Projects, alphabetical:
Carmelite Street
Architecture Competition win – 2002
Design: Panter Hudspith Architects
City Screen, adj. Guildhall, central York
2000
Design: Panter Hudspith Architects
1-5 Davygate
1999
Design: Panter Hudspith Architects
Northeastern Railway Company Offices conversion
2009-
Design: Mackenzie Wheeler
picture from architect office
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English Architecture News
More modern York buildings news online soon
Location: York, North Yorkshire, England, UK.
Architecture in Yorkshire
Yorkshire Architecture Designs – chronological list
York Architects
Yorkshire Building Designs – Selection
Trinity Quarter Leeds
Design: EMBT+ Stanley Bragg Partnership
Leeds Town Hall
Design: Architect Cuthbert Brodrick
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Key Cities near York:
Leeds Architecture
Sheffield Architecture
Bradford Architecture
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Yorkshire Architectural Designs
Built Environment in other Yorkshire Cities:
Barnsley Buildings
Rotherham Buildings
County Durham Buildings
Lincoln Buildings
Comments / photos for the York Architecture News – Yorkshire Building Designs page welcome
