YORK CITY WALLS
Project Overview
The York City Walls project formed part of the broader York Station Gateway and York Central Redevelopment initiatives — two landmark schemes transforming access, infrastructure, and public spaces around York’s historic railway station.
The Station Gateway project focuses on creating safer and more welcoming connections for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users, including the removal of the Queen Street Bridge and the enhancement of surrounding public areas. The York Central redevelopment complements this by regenerating a large brownfield site adjacent to the station into a vibrant mixed-use community, anchored by the National Railway Museum.
As part of these works, our team was commissioned to manufacture and supply a complete new wall section running from Queen Street Bridge to Micklegate Bar, designed to sympathetically mirror the character and craftsmanship of York’s original medieval city walls.
Stone Type
- Material: Magnesium Limestone
- Purpose: Selected to ensure visual and material consistency with the original City Wall fabric, maintaining York’s historic aesthetic while meeting modern durability requirements.
Scope of Work
Our scope involved the full manufacture and supply of all stonework for the new section of wall, including:
- Wash-finished ashlar walling — straight, curved, and splayed
- Movement joints — integrated and wash-finished for seamless continuity
- Wash-finished splayed quoins
- Chamfered splayed copings, also wash-finished
Quantities:
- 50 linear metres of coping
- 140m² of wash-finished ashlar
- 16m² of radius ashlar
- 22m² of splayed ashlar
Each element was produced to the highest standards of accuracy and finish, replicating the distinctive texture and tone of the city’s heritage stonework.
Challenges
A key challenge of this project was achieving colour consistency across all stone finishes. Given the natural variations inherent in Magnesium Limestone, great care was taken in stone selection, batching, and finishing to ensure uniformity.
Through rigorous quality control and collaboration with the client and design team, we successfully delivered a product that integrates seamlessly with York’s historic landscape while meeting the exacting aesthetic and technical standards required.
Outcome
The completed wall not only restores a key section of York’s historic boundary but also forms a visually cohesive link between the new urban infrastructure and the city’s architectural heritage. Our contribution helps preserve the character of York while supporting the city’s ongoing regeneration and transport improvements.
Planning Your Own Project?
If you’re considering a house build or renovation, our team would be delighted to help you source the perfect natural stone products. With a wide range of reclaimed and bespoke options available, we can help you create a home that is as timeless as it is unique.
If you would like further information on this or any of our current or past projects, please call our office on 01924 416666.
