Investment Committee endorses funding to progress York Central scheme

West Yorkshire Combined Authority�s Investment Committee has endorsed funding of �2.1m to progress the York Central Access and Station Masterplan scheme.

Part of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority�s �1bn, 10-year Transport Fund Programme, the �33m scheme will unlock a regionally significant site for the development of Grade A office space and will be used to progress detailed scheme design to unlock the remaining investment.

Developing a new business district to the east of the station will support significant jobs growth by making it possible for existing businesses to grow and enabling new companies to relocate to York.

The new highway infrastructure will also make possible the development of up to 2,500 homes close to the city�s rail station and improvements at the front of the station will create a new and enhanced city centre gateway. There will also be savings on journey times for buses, taxis, cyclist, pedestrians and motorists.

Cllr David Green, Bradford Council Leader and Chair of West Yorkshire Combined Authority�s Investment Committee said:

�The York Central area has been identified as a major opportunity site for economic growth in both the Leeds City Region and York North Yorkshire & East Riding Strategic Economic Plans, a Housing Zone by the Homes and Communities Agency and has Enterprise Zone status.

�By progressing this scheme, West Yorkshire Combined Authority will be providing the improvements to the local transport infrastructure that will enable the area to achieve its potential for economic growth and new homes.

�It will also help to improve the city�s public transport provision, solve wider transport congestion issues and support York�s economy by enhancing its attractiveness as a centre for commerce, education and tourism.�

Cllr Ian Gillies, Executive Member for Transport and Planning at City of York Council, said:

�The redevelopment of York Central represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to deliver major growth in York and securing this funding is another major milestone in bringing forward development on this 72 hectare site, labelled as the King�s Cross of the North.

�The proposals for York Central will enable us to attract high value jobs, deliver new and much needed sustainable homes and create world-class public spaces which will help define the future for York.�

Roger Marsh OBE, LEP Chair and Deputy Chair West Yorkshire Combined Authority�s Investment Committee said:

�Developing a new business district close to York station is hugely important to ensure we attract new companies into the economy and encourage our existing businesses to grow.

�This is a further example of how York businesses and residents are benefitting from existing devolved powers and funding we have secured through effective partnership working across the Leeds City Region.�

Yesterday�s Investment Committee meeting also supported work to progress the development of a Junction 24A on the M62, improvements to the A629 between Halifax and Huddersfield and a South East Bradford Link Road.

These are among over 30 schemes being developed through West Yorkshire Combined Authority�s �1bn, 10-year Transport Fund Programme, forecast to create up to 20,000 jobs across the City Region. Funding for the schemes is through the �1bn Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Growth Deal from the Government�s Local Growth Fund.