Big step forward for plans to demolish a York bridge and remodel the station

Plans to transform the front of York Station have taken a big step forward.

The project, which will see Queen Street Bridge demolished and the station approach remodelled, has gained another £10.5 million in funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

It means construction on the York Station Gateway project can begin.

The funding has been released to construct the highways elements of the scheme, including the demolition of the bridge and the creation of a road further away from the city walls.

That allows the front of the station to be reorganised to enable better access. New public spaces will be created.

Over the past year, utility companies have been carrying out enabling works, such as essential utility diversions, around Queen Street Bridge.

These works are almost complete and this funding confirmation will enable the project to move into the next stages, with a contractor set to be appointed in the coming months.

Cllr Keith Aspden, leader of City of York Council, said: “This funding will help us unlock improvements that will allow for easier and safer access to and around the station, better public spaces and ultimately an improved gateway to our amazing city.

“Thank you to everybody who has been involved and supported this project so far. We appreciate your patience as we continue working with partners to ensure minimum disruption to local residents, businesses and visitors.”

The money comes from the West Yorkshire-Plus Transport Fund and the Leeds City Region Transforming Cities Fund, which aim to help more people to walk, cycle and use public transport. 

City of York Council says a further release of funding is anticipated later to deliver the final phases of work to York Station.