York Community Stadium breakthrough – Diggers to be on site ‘by Christmas’

In what is literally a groundbreaking moment, plans for York Community Stadium took a major step forward today (Friday).

City of York Council says diggers will be on site before Christmas.

This long-awaited moment will take place because all the contracts relating to the build and operation of the new stadium and leisure complex have now been signed.

It means that project manager Greenwich Leisure Ltd will formally take possession of the Monks Cross site.

In preparation for full construction works, site security and compounds will arrive on site within the next few weeks.

Here we go

Greenwich Leisure Ltd will also take over the operation of Energise Leisure Centre and Yearsley Swimming Pool, as part of the wider stadium and leisure contract, from December 1 2017.

This is what they will be building:

• an 8,000 all-seat community sports stadium
• a swimming pool, gym, dance studio, climbing facilities and sports hall
• a cinema complex, including an IMAX screen
• five restaurants
• up to three shops
• NHS outpatient services
• an Explore library, and
• a York Against Cancer shop.

The much-delayed stadium, leisure facilities and the community hub “will all open in 2019 along with the new cinema and commercial units”, the council says.

What they say

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.

– York City FC chair Jason McGill

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.

– York City Knights chair Jon Flatman

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.

– CYC leader Cllr David Carr

The stadium will offer a variety of top-class facilities for residents to enjoy.

The agreements also secure the future of Yearsley and Energise, which will benefit residents across the city.

– CYC leisure chief Cllr Ann Reid