Homes England and Network Rail Property have reached an agreement with McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate to develop a 45-hectare site next to York railway station.

The agreement will kick start the £1.1 billion York Central regeneration that plans to deliver 6,500 jobs, 2,500 new homes and one million sq ft of offices and retail.

As one of the largest brownfield sites in England, York Central will also lead to the improvement of York Railway Station and the National Railway Museum.

The plans include a new 17-acre urban park, and 50% of the site to be allocated for green space.

To prepare the site for development, work has already started on £135m of infrastructure to provide 2 km of new roads with bus lanes, segregated footpaths, cycleways, and two new bridges.

This marks an important step forward for the York Central project, which will have significant impact on the local area. This is a clear example of how Homes England can use its resources and capabilities to bring together public and private sector organisations and make sustainable places possible.

This is a proud moment in the journey of York Central and we look forward to future collaboration to bring this unique brownfield regeneration opportunity to life.

Leon Guyett, Homes England Director of Regeneration Partnerships (York)

York Central is a hugely important scheme and given its scale and significance to the region signing the development agreement is a major step forward. Infrastructure is at the centre of York Central’s success – from using our brownfield land to creating a new community delivering investment, jobs, new homes and amazing open space – all that neighbours the rail network.

Robin Dobson, Network Rail Group Property Director

This is a fantastic opportunity for the city and a milestone moment in the delivery of York Central. We are committed and passionate about providing much needed new homes, best in class commercial space, along with substantial green space, enhanced public realm and amenities, all of which will bring significant economic benefits and local jobs.

As York is my home city, I am genuinely thrilled to work with our partners, local stakeholders and the community on our vision to bring forward a scheme that will breathe new life and regenerate an unutilised brownfield site, connecting it to the great cathedral city of York.

Tom Gilman, McLaren Property Regional Managing Director

York Central is recognised as one of the largest city centre regeneration schemes in the UK and will deliver huge benefits, not only for the people of York and its visitors, but for the wider economy.

This is a landmark project and completion of the formal Development Agreement is another significant step forwards.

Creating a brand-new city quarter right in the heart of York, with its own entrance to one of the UK’s best connected railway stations, is an amazing opportunity. We look forward delivering a great place worthy of its unique location and heritage.

Allan Cook, founder of Arlington Real Estate