Consultation launches for Kathryn Avenue, York

Visual representation of Kathryn Avenue, York

A consultation has been launched for new, sustainable single family rental apartments, including nine fully accessible homes, at Monks Cross in York.

Our proposal includes 137 new homes purposefully designed for renters which would combine best-in-class design and build with leading smart technology and outstanding customer service, bringing a new lifestyle-driven way of living to the suburbs of York. With long-term secure tenures available, the homes will respond to the need for new homes in York for keyworkers, growing families, professionals, and downsizers.

Located at Kathryn Avenue in Monks Cross, next to the York Community Stadium, the brownfield site is a well-connected location with the Park & Ride in walking distance, as well as a choice of healthcare, retail, leisure, sports facilities, and supermarkets on its doorstep. The site which would be accessed via Kathryn Avenue also includes 27 car parking spaces and 139 cycle storage spaces.

Nine specialist accessibly designed apartments are included in the proposals to meet the needs of people living with disabilities.

Visual representation of Kathryn Avenue, York
Casa by Moda apartments

The homes will be designed, built and operated by Casa by Moda for the long term, giving further security of tenure for residents and allowing the platform to deliver a health and wellbeing focused way of living through a range of leading services and partnerships.

Casa by Moda is part of Moda Living, the UK’s number one rental brand and one of the country's largest purpose-built rental operators. Moda is currently redeveloping a further 400+ homes elsewhere in the city at Heworth Green, aiming to be a true long-term partner of the city.

Unlike traditional rental, our Casa homes are deposit free and pets are more than welcome at no extra cost. With a core brand proposition of unparalleled customer service, health & wellbeing focused and market leading digital infrastructure, all residents will have access to a bespoke app that enables them to contact the virtual concierge and access on demand services from logging maintenance issues, home workout classes or booking a dog walker.

Direct communication with Casa through technology eradicates issues that residents in traditional privately owned rental homes – maintenance issues will be logged and addressed rapidly, the lease tenures are flexible and payable via the app and there are a multitude of additional services including subsidised mental health support. As a branch of Moda’s award-winning operations arm, our homes will be managed long term by a dedicated team that put the needs of residents first.

Casa aims to create social, integrated and safe neighbourhoods, where community-led groups will bring like-minded people together. From running clubs or book clubs to baking and board game groups, our teams and technology will enable residents to access and engage with the community around them.

Our wellbeing offering will be boosted by access to a range of public, private and semi-private amenity spaces in and around the neighbourhood, including roof terraces, a landscaped central garden, communal lounge and meeting areas to promote flexible working spaces and resident engagement.

Casa by Moda living space
Visual representation of Kathryn Avenue, York

All homes will also be fitted with smart technology sensors which monitor the energy consumption and sustainability performance of the buildings. By accessing this real-time data through the MyCasa app, residents will be able to keep track of their utility costs and will receive bespoke tips and tricks on making small behavioural changes to keep spending down.

The technology also provides live insights on carbon consumption, enabling Casa and our residents to monitor sustainable performance of the buildings. Residents will be able to see real-time anonymous data on their sustainability ranking in the neighbourhoods, generating opportunities for gamifying sustainable behaviours.

Casa neighbourhoods deliver much needed and price accessible housing across the UK, which has a chronic shortage of quality, professionally managed homes for rent at a time when more and more people are renting for longer in the country. Almost 20% of all homes in the UK are rented, with that number set to increase to up to 23% by 2025. Our neighbourhoods address the growing need for modern homes for rent to suit all ages and requirements across the UK.

As a long-term operator in the Monks Cross area, we'll partner with local businesses and educational organisations to support the economy, education and employment priorities. The developer operator prioritises local employment wherever possible at all of it sites and offers a range of apprenticeships across the development and construction phases of its neighbourhoods.

The regeneration in and around Monks Cross over the last few years has increased employment and demand for new homes nearby. The site, currently occupied by York Motorsports Village, will be closed, providing an opportunity to redevelop the area and address the housing shortage.

People can learn more about the proposals and have their say by visiting the consultation website: www.kathrynavenue-consultation.co.uk.

Our Head of Acquisitions, Rob Gill said: “As a long-term operator of the homes we deliver, Casa by Moda is committed to working with the local community as we look to transform this brownfield site into much-needed modern homes for rent in York.

"Subject to planning permission, this neighbourhood will deliver a new generation of rental homes to Monks Cross, that put resident experience, health and wellbeing, sustainability and technology at their heart.”

Richard France, Managing Director of Oakgate Group, said: “These proposals offer a new concept to York of high-quality and accessible build-to-rent accommodation in a highly sustainable location.

“Kathryn Avenue adjoins first class amenities including retail, gym, cinema, restaurants and other leisure facilities together with an excellent Park & Ride service into the City Centre. This site is the perfect location for the Casa brand.”