Deal could unlock another £40m for brownfield regeneration scheme

The deal, which is conditional on the York and North Yorkshire devolution deal being confirmed, will allow further financial support, ensuring key elements of site infrastructure are delivered at the right time and to the highest possible quality standards.

This deal – asked for as part of the recent devolution agreement adds to £77m of Homes England Housing Investment Grant as well as the Enterprise Zone status awarded in 2017.

York Central is one of the largest brownfield sites in England and construction work on the key infrastructure needed to unlock the site is underway.

Located next to the railway station, the 45-hectare development site will become a new part of York city centre, transforming underused land into a housing and commercial quarter.

It is intended to power York’s economy into the future, with up to one million sq ft of office, leisure and retail space, as well as up to 2,500 homes.

Councillor Claire Douglas, leader of City of York Council 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.

“It is vital that the York Central Partnership delivers its potential, and we look forward to working with partners to make this happen.”

Minister Dehenna Davison, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities) said: “I am pleased to see additional Government support being provided to York Central, a project which will achieve key elements of our levelling-up agenda by delivering additional housing, jobs, GVA and regeneration to the area.

“This support will be unlocked by the York and North Yorkshire devolution deal agreed last August and demonstrates the benefits from Government and local partners working together.”

Leon Guyett, York Central project director, Homes England, added: “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.”