The development of York Central took a big step forward today thanks to the new government’s first budget.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that he was allocating £77.1m from the Housing Infrastructure Fund to deliver homes at the huge brownfield site.
The new investment will contribute to the £155m funding package put together by the City of York Council and other York Central Partnership members, including Homes England, Network Rail and National Railway Museum.
This will be used to deliver essential infrastructure on site, including the access road bridge and spine road through the site, a pedestrian bridge on Water End and a rail link to the National Railway Museum.
Council leader Keith Aspden said:
After many months of lobbying, I am delighted to secure this significant investment in our city and finally, work towards progressing the York Central development.
This announcement is a strong endorsement of York Central, and we look forward to taking the project forward to deliver new homes, up to 6,500 better paid jobs and fantastic public, green and cultural spaces for the whole city to enjoy.
A major opportunity
The Lib Dem council leader was joined by the Conservative MP for York Outer Julian Sturdy in welcoming the announcement.
Mr Sturdy said he was delighted, adding:
Whilst we await the specific details, it is hoped that the investment will help to improve the connectivity of the site and addresses the principal concern of local residents by mitigating the impact of increased traffic on the city’s roads.
The government is proving that it is serious about investing in the North and as one of the largest city-centre brownfield sites in Europe, York Central presents a major opportunity to boost the regional economy. I look forward to seeing this opportunity realised as we enter the next phase of development.
Approved plans for the 45-hectare site include the creation of more than 2,500 new homes and 112,000 sq m of high-quality commercial space.
Cllr Aspden said: “The scheme will also set new standards for sustainable living and clean growth; utilising brownfield land in the heart of the city.
“York Central has been talked about for decades, and now this administration is moving it the project forward to the benefit of residents across the city. “
A team sent by Prime Minister Boris Johnson has already visited York Central, scouting for a possible location for a new home for the House of Lords.