Council levers in additional £40m for York Central
Conditional on the York & North Yorkshire devolution deal being finalised, the extra slug of investment has been agreed between City of York Council and national government.
The agreement will allow further financial support, ensuring key elements of site infrastructure are delivered at the right time and to the highest possible quality standards, said York.
Requested as part of the devolution agreement, the funding adds to £77m of Homes England housing investment grant as well as the Enterprise Zone status awarded in 2017.
Next to York’s mainline railway station, the £2.5bn York Central is billed as one of the largest brownfield sites in England, with preparatory construction work on key infrastructure to unlock the site now under way led by John Sisk & Son.
The 111-acre development will effectively expand York city centre and bring modern commercial space and different housing types to the city. Up to 1m sq ft of office, leisure and retail space and up to 2,500 homes are expected across the site. Allies and Morrison is the masterplan architect.
An announcement is expected in October on the final selection of a development partner by Homes England and Network Rail.
York leader Cllr Claire Douglas said: “This is fantastic news for the whole city and is another show of government’s belief in this transformative project.
“We want York to be world-famous as a city with both a unique history and the ability to create great new places to live and work.
“The city needs modern commercial spaces and more essential affordable housing, and we are absolutely committed to York Central as an ambitious project to achieve that. There will also be sizeable green spaces created for public enjoyment and biodiversity, within our net zero commitments.”
Leon Guyett, project director for Homes England, said: “This is more great news for the project and demonstrates ongoing confidence in the scheme to future businesses and occupiers.
“Reserved matters planning for the new square is being submitted shortly and the announcement of a strategic developer partner is expected in early October, so things are gathering pace.
“We’re working closely with all stakeholders to build a well designed sustainable development that drives York’s future prosperity.”
