Duncombe Square development site
The Duncombe Barracks site was purchased in August 2019, for the Duncombe Square development to be built, with the aim of developing high quality homes which meet the housing needs of our residents. The site is 0.66 hectares and located on Burton Stone Lane, a short walk from the city centre, in Clifton ward.
Responding to local housing need and demand within the climate change context, the aim is to create a mixed and inclusive community in a place designed to respect and make the most of local surroundings, and which promotes well-being and healthy lifestyles.
Duncombe Square proposals
The Duncombe Square site was granted planning permission in April 2021 to build 34 homes and 1 commercial unit. Construction in now underway to deliver a mix of homes for people of all ages in a community where residents can thrive, with:
- 20% social rent
- 40% shared ownership
- 40% outright sale
There will be a range of types and sizes including:
- 11 x 1-bed flats with 3 x fully wheelchair adaptable ground floor flats (M4(3) accessibility standard);
- 23 x terraced houses (2, 3, and 4-bed), all designed to M4(2) accessibility standard.
This site is now being developed under the name Duncombe Square.
See more information about the Shape Homes York Duncombe Square development.
A view from the green space in Duncombe Barracks A site outline of the Duncombe Barracks site An alternative plan for the Duncombe Barracks site A view of the planned Church Square
The development is planned with sustainability at its heart with homes built to Passivhaus certified standard, providing an optimal indoor environment quality while bringing down the typical carbon footprint and energy bill that living in a conventional home usually brings. The place that is created will encourage social interaction with communal plant growing areas, and a new central green space with natural play for children as well as a small public square in front of St Luke’s church revolving around the new commercial unit. The use of sustainable transport is prioritised with new walking and cycling links and extensive cycle storage.
Duncombe Square engagement
Engaging with local communities has been key to developing the plans. Residents and pupils from Clifton Green Primary School were involved from the outset to help to develop an understanding of the local context and to develop a brief used to design the proposals. This included drop-in events and more intensive workshops at St Luke’s Church community hall. This engagement shaped the proposals and a final consultation was undertaken online (during the COVID-19 lockdown) in Autumn 2020.
In October 2023, members of the project team from City of York Council, Caddick Construction and Turner and Townsend took part in a volunteer day at St Luke’s Church. Volunteers built 2 brick and stone benches in the church garden, as well as making 2 large timber planters next to the south gable wall. The planters were filled with compost and planted up with perennial plants. All materials and the plants were generously donated by Caddick’s suppliers.
Duncombe Square timeline
- planning application approved April 2021
- start on site - July 2022
- completion - anticipated summer 2025