THE University of York has won a prestigious planning award for its £750 million development scheme.

The Heslington East development has won a Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) award, which recognises outstanding achievement in planning across the region, and the design brief has been shortlisted for RTPI’s national award.

The £200 million first phase of the development at Heslington East opened in October and includes new accommodation for the Departments of Computer Science and Theatre, Film and Television and the York Law and Management Schools, as well as Goodricke College and the Ron Cooke Hub.

Elizabeth Heaps, pro-vice chancellor for estates and strategic projects at the university, said: “Heslington East is one of the biggest capital developments in UK Higher Education in the last decade.

“As a world-class university, it is vital that our space and facilities are of the highest standard and we are particularly pleased to receive an award which recognises the quality of the planning and design of the new campus extension.”

The 65-hectare campus extension, based on a combination of public and private funding including support from the European Regional Development Fund, will eventually result in an increase in total student numbers to 15,400 and create up to 2,000 new jobs.

Janet O’Neill, director of planning consultants O’Neill Associates, said: “We are delighted to share in this award. The preparation of the design brief and masterplan was a real team effort.”

Stephen Hill, from architects BDP, said: “We are very excited to have been able to contribute to this most significant new place of learning, being responsible for creating the master plan as well as designing the academic buildings and residential college.”

The Yorkshire Planning Award was presented at a special awards ceremony at Leeds Metropolitan University, and the winners of the RTPI national award will be announced in February.