Historic York chapel to be transformed into Sainsbury’s Local

Plans to safeguard the future of a former chapel in York have made major developments with the submission of a planning application to transform the building into apartments and a Sainsbury’s Local convenience store.

York-based S Harrison is spearheading the proposed redevelopment of Groves Chapel, which sits at the junction of Union Terrace and Wigginton Road close to York City Centre.

The building was previously used as office and storage space by York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, which is currently vacating the property.

Gavin Douglas, design manager at Harrison, said: “This Grade II Listed building was built in the 1880s and is in desperate need of repair, requiring a substantial investment to ensure it doesn’t deteriorate even further. It is considered to be ‘at risk’ by Historic England and City of York Council, but our plans will secure its future whilst also providing much-needed housing and a valuable convenience store on a brownfield site.

“We have worked very closely with planning officers and the local community to design a scheme that breathes new life into this landmark building as well as greatly enhancing the surrounding area.”

A spokesperson for the York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust added: “The building was placing a significant financial drain on the Trust and all NHS organisations are obliged to dispose of surplus assets in order to deliver the best financial return for the NHS.

“The offer from S Harrison was the best we received. The proceeds from the sale of Groves Chapel will allow the Trust to reinvest in the improvement of the clinical care environment at York Hospital. The Trust has a number of important capital projects planned over the next few years including the development and expansion of the Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory. The proceeds from the sale will be reinvested in such projects to ensure the high quality care we provide is matched by the environment in which it is delivered.”

A spokesperson for Sainsbury’s also commented: “The new store will provide a convenient shopping experience for the local community, as well as staff and visitors at York Hospital, and will also create between 15 – 20 new jobs in the area employing people from the local community.”

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