Castle Mills scheme progresses as contractor selected

Wates were selected after an open market tender process, with the project generating significant interest from a number of leading construction organisations.

The total estimated cost of the Castle Mills project is £32 million. The contract which has been awarded to Wates is to carry out the detailed design and to provide a tender price for construction.

The Castle Mills scheme will continue Piccadilly’s transformation into a vibrant city-living neighbourhood, through the creation of 106 apartments, a new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Foss, and the opening up of the rear of the Castle Museum in to a public riverside park.

The commercial return generated from the sale of the apartments will help to pay for the majority of the public benefits and infrastructure of the wider Castle Gateway Masterplan.

In October the City of York Council Executive will make a decision on whether to proceed with construction based on the actual tender cost provided by Wates.

David Wingfield, business director of Wates Construction North East and Yorkshire, said: 

“We are delighted to be appointed to deliver the Castle Mills project, further extending our relationship with City of York Council, and look forward to contributing to creating a new environment for the whole community to benefit from.

Wates Construction is committed to leaving a positive legacy as part of our presence in every local area that we work, enhancing our reputation as a trusted and expert contractor across a diverse range of sectors and to our close network of supply chain partners in the city and the wider North Yorkshire.

“Everything we do is guided by our purpose of working together to inspire better ways of creating the places, communities and businesses of tomorrow.”

Councillor Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Finance and Performance added:

“Following a competitive tender process Wates have been selected to carry out the detailed design and to provide the full tender cost for the Castle Mills development.

The project has the potential to transform the Piccadilly area in York, through the creation of new homes including council housing, a riverside park and a new cycle bridge.

That being said, it is also important that the Castle Mills development delivers value for money. Wates will produce a tender cost for the project, which will then be reviewed by the Council’s Executive in October. A decision will then be made on whether to progress the project.”