Work to start on 8,000-seater stadium

The construction of a delayed 8,000-seater stadium in York is set to start in December.

City of York Council said that all contracts relating to the build and operation of the new community stadium and leisure complex at Monks Cross have now been signed.

The development has suffered a number of delays since it was first proposed in 2009.

Greenwich Leisure will now formally take possession of the site and diggers will be on site before Christmas, with Buckingham Group Contracting appointed as building contractor.

Greenwich Leisure will also take over the operation of Energise Leisure Centre and Yearsley Swimming Pool, as part of the wider new stadium and leisure contract.

Once complete, the new leisure complex will host professional football and rugby league games. There will also be new leisure facilities incorporating a swimming pool, gym, dance studio, indoor and outdoor climbing facilities and a sports hall with spectator seating.

A commercial development on the stadium site will also feature a cinema complex, including an IMAX screen, five restaurants and up to three retail units.

NHS outpatient services will be offered on site from a community hub and there will be a new Explore library and a York Against Cancer retail unit.

The new stadium, leisure facilities and the community hub will all open in 2019 along with the new cinema and commercial units.

Cllr David Carr, leader of City of York Council said: “This is a huge step forward. I am delighted that this major project is at last moving forward with construction workers on site before Christmas.

“We have always been committed to delivering the Community Stadium and accompanying facilities which, once complete, will be a great asset for the city and residents.”

Jon Flatman, chairman at York City Knights, said: “York City Knights would like to thank all parties for their commitment to the project and the growth of Rugby League as a sport in the city. The stadium provides us with a step change opportunity to deliver top class events suitable for people of all ages. We welcome the opportunity to continue to work in partnership to make the community of York proud of our sport and our club.”

Jason McGill, chairman of York City Football Club, added: “York City FC is encouraged by the news that contracts for the New Community Stadium and Leisure Project have been signed and that work on the site will begin in December. It has been a long and challenging process, at times, but real progress has now been made.

“The club is looking forward to the development of the facilities and the opening of the stadium for the start of season 2019/2020. The club would like to thank everyone associated with the project for their hard work in reaching this crucial stage.”