Roman Quarter developer goes into administration

Rougier Street Developments was behind plans for a Roman visitor attraction in York

The developer behind plans for a new Roman quarter in York has gone into administration.

Rougier Street Developments had planned to build a Roman-themed museum, an 88-room aparthotel, 153 new apartments and office space on Rougier Street.

North Star, a company that worked on promoting the site, said the "challenging economic climate" had led to the developer facing financial difficulties.

Initial plans had been rejected in 2021, however revised plans were approved in October 2022.

Developers had said previously the scheme would generate £315m over 30 years and create 625 jobs

Rougier Street Developments, which owns the Northern House part of the site, partnered with York Archaeological Trust (YAT) on plans to create the visitor attraction.

The plans would have seen the demolition of Northern House, Rougier House and Society Bar.

A major archaeological dig was also expected to take place on the site.

But the developer appointed administrators in May.

YAT said the project could still go ahead if the building was sold to an organisation that wanted to proceed with the planned Roman Quarter.

David Jennings, chief executive officer of YAT, said: "This is disappointing, and the future of Northern House is now in the hands of the administrators.

"It is possible that its new owner will want to pursue the current scheme for the wider site with the owner of Rougier House and Society and we would still want to be involved.”

A spokesperson for North Star said: “We are extremely disappointed and saddened that Rougier Street Developments Ltd have encountered financial difficulty which we believe is due to the challenging economic climate.

"Our team will continue to monitor the situation.”

Rougier Street Developments declined to comment.

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