A new 46-suite aparthotel has opened in Micklegate, York, following nearly a year of delays caused by the discovery of Roman and medieval artifacts on the site.

The sustainable development, designed by York-based architects brown + company, is operated by SuperCity. The hospitality operator already runs similar properties in London, Manchester, Leeds, Brighton, and Edinburgh.

The project, located near the historic Micklegate Bar, was initially scheduled to open in 2023. Construction was paused when a section of York’s original medieval wall was uncovered during groundworks, prompting an archaeological excavation that revealed items dating back to the Roman era. The site was previously occupied by unlisted buildings housing Minster Van Hire and the Jinnah restaurant.

The design of the contemporary building draws inspiration from the medieval jettied timber-framed structures that historically lined the south-east side of Micklegate. To secure planning approval within the sensitive conservation area, brown + company collaborated with Montagu Evans, Leach Rhodes Walker, and O’Neill Associates Town Planning Consultants.

The development is expected to create 12.5 full-time and four part-time jobs.

Roger Walters, founder and chairman of SuperCity, said: “Our design team have worked very closely with the team at brown + company. The original exterior was agreed with the City of York Council after careful deliberation to make the building form blend in with the character of York.

“It has been a pleasure to work with brown + company. They have supported us throughout the construction and planning stages. I highly recommend the practice and will definitely use them on our next project.”

Mr Walters noted that SuperCity chose the location over an alternative site at Heworth Green because the firm wanted a presence within York’s historic city walls. He identified a gap in the local market for extended-stay business travellers.

“It’s going to bring in a bit more permanency to the visitors, so people will hang around for a few days rather than come in and out of York,” he said.