48 - 52 York Street is situated at the prominent junction of York Street and Frederick Street. It is presently occupied by a mix of 4 and storey commericial premises with retails units located at ground floor level. The site measures approximately 0.145 ha (0.358 acres) in size, and has a 45 metre frontage onto York Street and a 28 metre frontage onto Frederick Street.

In April 2014, McNeill (Properties) Ltd submitted a planning application (Z/2014/0479/O) proposing the demolition of existing building and construction of new multi storey building comprising of purpose built student accommodation and retail units at ground floor. This application was approved in March 2015.

In March 2016, Student City Ltd submitted a Proposal of Application Note (PAN) (LA04/2016/0586/PAN) proposing the demolition of the existing buildings and erection of 11-14 storey comprising of ground floor retail/coffee shop, purpose built managed student accommodation with associated facilities, including gym and all associated site and access works. This Proposal of Application Note (PAN) was deemed acceptable.

In June 2016, Student City Ltd submitted a planning application (LA04/2016/1213/RM) proposing the demolition of the existing buildings and erection of 11 storey building comprising of 3 no. ground floor retail units, 307 studios for use as purpose built managed student accommodation with associated communal and amenity facilities, including gym and all associated site and access works. This application was approved in October 2017.

In August 2022, Eastwood Demolition began to demolish the site in preparation for development.

In July 2023, ground works commenced on site.

In April 2024, construction of the new development reached its maximum height.

The student accommodation development has been named 'The Edge' and will be managed by Prestige Student Living.