The former Almond and Cream Blocks on Haxby Road are the last remaining elements of the original Cocoa Works factory built by Rowntrees from around 1890. These factory buildings had lain vacant for nearly 10 years but in June 2017, the practice successfully secured planning permission to convert and extend the blocks for residential use. The approved scheme delivers 258 homes, a small convenience store and community facilities at the rear of the Grade II Listed Joseph Rowntree Library, to be restored and brought back into use. Construction works on the development will commence before the end of 2017 and the first new homes will be available in 2019.
