1st January 2014
When Forrest Gump’s mother advised him: “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get,” she might easily have been talking about the planning process.
Not that there is any sense of disappointment in York right now where phase one development of The Chocolate Works is under way having secured approval last month.
Originally built in the Art Deco style, the Terry’s Chocolate Works is one of the most famous industrial landmarks in the city but has lain derelict since 2005 and since which various proposals for its redevelopment have fallen by the wayside.
This week, York-based David Wilson Homes Yorkshire East, which acquired the site last April, will commence building the 57 houses, 29 apartments and retail unit that comprise phase one of what is now one the largest regeneration projects in Yorkshire.
Managing director Paul Newman insists the Chocolate Works is “no ordinary housing scheme.” “The site holds a special place in York’s history and we are determined to make a landmark statement which respects the heritage and reflects the architectural legacy,” he says.
”What we are delivering will enhance the neighbourhood and we’re delighted to get started on a development which will help meet the city’s urgent housing need.”
Indeed, the design of the scheme, by Richards Partington Architects – the team behind York’s Derwenthorpe development – has won praise from The Design Council as part of the national Building for Life initiative, whilst Councillor James Alexander, Labour Leader of City of York Council has delivered a ringing endorsement for the renewed development:
“The council is committed to providing new homes and helping businesses thrive and is delighted that this brownfield site is coming forward for much needed homes,” he says. “The Chocolate Works is a central platform in that programme and we will do everything we can to support the development of this site.“
The Terry’s Chocolate Works opened in 1926 building a global empire on such iconic confectionery brands as All Gold and Chocolate Orange before closing in 2005 following a decision by new owners, Kraft, to shift production to mainland Europe.
News links:
Yorkshire Post – Work begins on homes scheme for famous chocolate works site
Insider News Yorkshire – Work starts on Chocolate Works