Burnholme, located to the east of the city centre, comprises of 85 new net-zero carbon homes, including 5 self-build plots, ranging from 1 bedroom 2 person flats to larger 4 bedroom 7 person family houses, with public open space and community gardens. As part of the council’s target of building 600 homes across 7 sites, the project completes the Burnholme healthcare focused masterplan which transforms the grounds of the former Burnholme Community College. The tenure-blind homes range from wheelchair adaptable 1 bedroom 2 person flats to larger 4 bedroom 7 person family houses. The project features a generous public open space at the heart of the scheme as well as secure shared gardens that aim to foster neighbourliness and community. Almost 60% of the homes are affordable. The development encourages sustainable transport through reduced car-use and increased cycle storage options including cargo bikes. Entrances are paired to increase spontaneous interactions between neighbours and shared gardens are designed with grow beds to encourage community growing. The project is due to be completed in 2026.

A fabric first approach closes the performance gap and reduce energy demand for the benefit of residents. Homes are built to a certified Passivhaus standard and air source heat pumps are utilised to generate hot water and heating. The regulated energy demand required to operate the homes is provided by photovoltaic solar panels. The ambitious brief set out by The City of York Council in 2019 was written before many policies and targets sought to define how to achieve ‘net-zero’. As a result of the ambitious brief, Burnholme is in-line with the LETI 2025 Net-Zero Carbon standard, the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge.