Property developer Newby has submitted a full planning application to redevelop the historic former Nestlé factory on Haxby Road in York and deliver 263 residential apartments and associated facilities.

The landmark building, empty since 2008, is a major heritage asset for the city of York but has fallen into disrepair as Nestlé sought a developer with the right vision to breathe new life into the site.

Local developer Newby has decades of experience in converting historic buildings and working with interest groups to achieve sympathetic restoration for modern day uses.

Plans for The Cocoa Works reflect these considerations with a proposal that seeks to retain the industrial heritage with minimal change to the façade.

Nick Moody, founding partner at Newby said, “We love the building and all that it stands for and, after detailed consultation with the local public and other key stakeholder groups that gave 98 per cent positive feedback, we feel that our proposals make the most of its potential.”