Henry Boot Construction has commenced work on The Cocoa Works site in York. They have been selected as the main contractor for the £47m project by Clarion Housing Group’s development arm Latimer. The project will create 279 apartments, of which 84 will be availed on shared ownership, modifying the former Rowntree factory on Haxby Road near the centre of the city.
The Rowntree factory was situated at Cocoa Works site in York since 1890 and had more than 6,000 employees in the 1920s, manufacturing world-famous confectionery brands. Latimer’s plans for the eight hectare area, which has been derelict for over a decade, will ensure original features of the structure are celebrated and incorporated into models. Also to be revamped is the old Joseph Rowntree Memorial Library which will give a character-filled community area that will be home to a concierge service for residents and a private working area.
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Cocoa Works site in York development by Clarion Housing Group
The Group Director of Development for Clarion Housing Group, Richard Cook stated: “We’re happy to be working together with Henry Boot Construction to create a vision for The Cocoa Works to reality and it was great to welcome the Lord Mayor of York to mark the start on site. “The project will offer characterful, high-end apartments, comprising of many available through shared ownership, whilst celebrating the heritage of the structure and the legacy of Joseph Rowntree. We’re anticipating to seeing the first residents move in and a vibrant community growing around one of York’s most iconic buildings.”
Henry Boot‘s Managing Director , Tony Shaw stated: “The Rowntree Factory is synonymous with York and it’s a real privilege to re-develop a community and bring back life to such an iconic heritage building. “Henry Boot is devoted to sensitive restoration and we are set to delivering a new, exciting future for this striking building, which is essential to York’s social history. “As part of the commitment to York, and as a major employer across the region, we offer valuable social value outputs through the local supply chain and site-specific employment and training initiatives.”
