Fresh delays to York Community Stadium project
The major York Community Stadium scheme is running at least 16 weeks behind schedule, according to a newly published council report.
The ‘Update of Major Projects’ document for City of York Council states: “The build delay is now confirmed on the stadium and leisure site, with a minimum 16 week delay. This is subject to further review and scrutiny.
“The build will now miss the start of the football season and all partners have been informed of the current impact and new timeline.
“Original deadline of May 2019 for build completion has passed. Build now expected as a minimum autumn 2019 build completion.”
The same report also notes: “The commercial development has made a number of changes to the layout of the building for secured tenants.
“This has resulted in a four month delay to the handover and opening of the commercial site. This may impact
completion of the stadium and leisure site due to works on roads and services.
“Completion and opening is now expected Autumn 2019. Cost of delay is subject to ongoing dispute. Full extent of
the delay is still to be confirmed.”
The stadium was due to be finished in May of this year but the project was hit by delays in February. The council warned the scheme would not be completed in time for the start of York City’s 2019-20 season.
Ian Floyd, Corporate Director for Customer and Corporate Services at City of York Council, today responded to the June Update of Major Projects report.
He said: “Over the past few months, significant progress has been made across the site, with the Stadium pitch construction complete and the grass starting to grow.
“In addition, the seats are now installed in three of the stands, the three pools are nearing completion, the cinema is developing well, 3G pitches complete and the commercial units are taking shape.
“Although there is some delay on what is a very complex site, the incredible mix of community, sport and leisure facilities, once complete, will provide a site of real significance for our residents; a site the city and our teams can be proud of.
“Work with the contractors and our partners continues. It is important not to speculate at this stage and we will provide further updates as part of next week’s Executive Capital Programme Outturn.”
The York Stadium Leisure Complex project, also known as York Community Stadium, is a council-led scheme to deliver a new football and rugby stadium.
Located on Kathryn Avenue in Huntington, the finished stadium will feature an 8,000 seater arena for York City FC and York City Knights RLFC, an IMAX cinema with 14 screens and a community hub, including a library and the offices for York’s sports clubs.
It will also include York Against Cancer retail unit and offices, NHS outpatient services, new swimming facilities, a gym, dance studio and a sports hall with spectator seating.
