A new green space for all to enjoy has been opened as part of work to build 78 ultra low-energy homes at Burnholme Green.
A 1.5-acre park has been opened with play and exercise areas, meadows and coppices of trees, connected to the local communities by a network of paths dotted with benches.
Across the green space are five areas of new play and fitness equipment which link to form a trail. Hundreds of new trees have been planted across the area and new grass meadows have been seeded to encourage pollinator-friendly wildflowers.
The trees will help the area deal better with hotter summers and wetter winters. Most are hazels planted in groups, along with winter-flowering cherry and oak trees. Fruit and nuts in the autumn will help support wildlife, while attractive blossom and catkins will brighten spring days and create welcome shade in the heat of summer.
Creating this new open space will serve the local community and will be linked to the new homes built as part of the Council’s visionary Housing Delivery Programme.
Like the newly-revealed homes at Duncombe Square, the 78 houses and apartments at Burnholme Green will be Passivhaus. They will have energy bills 80% lower than conventional build homes, net-zero in use and 60% will be for social rent and shared ownership.
Cllr Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing said:
Building new homes is not just about providing much-needed affordable flats and apartments, but it’s about taking the opportunity to further improve the local area. In Duncombe Square we’re creating spaces where a community can develop by providing outdoor play, seating and growing areas. Here in Burnholme, we’ve created a beautiful 1.5-acre green space for play, exercise and the new community to merge with neighbours from the local area.
Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment, said:
Improving and linking this green space to the neighbouring Passivhaus homes brings residents closer to nature so local people can enjoy the trees, meadows and wildlife that this valuable new habitat will support. The fitness trail has equipment for all generations to exercise outdoors. This is an investment in community and nature.1
An update on the Council’s Housing Delivery Programme will be presented to Executive, on Tuesday 7 October 2025 at 4.30pm. You can view this report online from our Democracy Website.
Visit the Shape Homes York website for more information on Burnholme Green.