Modern Apartment Living in York – The City’s New Wave of Developments | Monument Property Maintenance

For centuries, York has been celebrated for its cobbled streets, medieval walls, and Gothic cathedral spires — a city where history lingers in every corner. But in the past decade, a quieter transformation has been taking place alongside the ancient stonework. Modern residential developments have been springing up, reshaping York’s skyline and offering a fresh take on city living.

From sensitive conversions of iconic buildings to ambitious new-build neighbourhoods, these developments blend contemporary convenience with the city’s timeless appeal. Here’s our round-up of the standout addresses redefining what it means to live in York today.

On Bishopthorpe Road, the stately red-brick façade of the former Terry’s Chocolate Factory has been given a new lease of life as The Residence. Behind its restored industrial frontage lies a collection of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, many retaining lofty ceilings, grand windows, and original architectural details.

It’s a masterclass in adaptive reuse — preserving a slice of York’s sweet-making history while providing the modern luxuries expected by today’s residents. Think designer kitchens, contemporary bathrooms, and landscaped grounds, all within walking distance of the racecourse, riverside paths, and the city centre. Living here means waking up inside a landmark, with the history of a factory that once perfumed the air with chocolate now forming part of your home’s story.

Not far away, another confectionery giant has had its own reinvention. The Cocoa Works, once a hive of chocolate production under the Rowntree name, has been transformed into a stylish residential enclave.

Here, the industrial bones of the building are celebrated — exposed brickwork, generous windows, and soaring spaces — but softened with warm interiors and amenities designed for community living. Landscaped gardens, shared lounges, and concierge services foster a sense of connection in what could have been just another apartment block. Instead, it’s a space that hums with character, bridging York’s industrious past and its cosmopolitan present.

For those who lean towards the minimalist, Icona II offers a distinctly modern vibe. Spread across five storeys, its 62 apartments are clean-lined, light-filled, and built for contemporary living.

Amenities are part of the package: a concierge service to handle deliveries and reservations, a gym for on-the-go workouts, and a rooftop terrace with views that remind you why York has been drawing people for two millennia. It’s city life with just enough luxury to make the everyday feel like an upgrade.

Tucked just behind Blossom Street, Crescent Court offers a private, gated courtyard at its core — a rare dose of tranquillity this close to the station and the city centre.

Its eco-conscious design and proximity to York’s dining and cultural hotspots make it a natural fit for professionals and commuters. Step outside the gates and you’re in the thick of it; step back in, and you’re in a self-contained oasis.

On the edge of the city centre, Heworth Green is a development with ambition. When complete, it will bring 450 apartments set among landscaped grounds, balancing high-density living with room to breathe.

This is a development for those who want to be part of York’s energy without sacrificing the green surroundings that define the city’s appeal. Modern layouts, on-site amenities, and a location that’s both connected and calm make it one to watch.

Perhaps the boldest of York’s regeneration projects, York Central is transforming a vast former railway site into a mixed-use neighbourhood with 2,500 homes, business spaces, and public areas.

Located just west of York station, it’s set to be one of the largest brownfield redevelopments in the country. The vision here is big: sustainable homes, new transport links, and a thriving community hub that extends the heart of the city outwards.

These developments speak to a new chapter in York’s story. They offer more than just apartments — they’re invitations to live in spaces that connect past and present, heritage and innovation.

Whether you’re drawn to the prestige of a heritage conversion, the clean lines of a purpose-built apartment, or the buzz of an emerging neighbourhood, York now offers options that would have been unimaginable just a decade ago.

And the best part? This modern layer doesn’t erase the old — it complements it. Step outside your front door in any of these developments and the medieval walls, winding lanes, and historic pubs are still right there, waiting for you.

In York, you can live in the 21st century without losing touch with the 13th.

Modern living in York comes with its own set of needs — from routine upkeep to tailored property improvements. Monument Property Maintenance works with landlords, developers, and residents across the city to keep these homes at their best. Whether it’s ensuring a new apartment remains pristine or upgrading a space to match your lifestyle, our team is trusted by some of York’s most respected property managers to deliver with precision and care.