What with the cancellation of much of HS2 and the endless train strikes, recently it hasn’t felt like a great time to be a railway lover in the north. But now things might finally be looking up: York train station, one of northern England’s busiest rail hubs, is set to be the subject of a £1.1 billion renovation which will reinvigorate not only the station itself but also the entire surrounding area.
Network Rail is teaming up with companies McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate to deliver a complete refresh to York Central, including an urban park, loads of office space and 2500 new homes. The work actually began a little while ago, as £135 million has already gone into infrastructure, improving nearby roads and adding bus lanes.
The project was described as ‘hugely important’ by Robin Dobson, a director at Network Rail. He said: ‘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.’
If all goes to plan, the development is expected to generate around 6,500 jobs, making it a hub for professionals in the north, and grow the local economy by up to 20 percent.
Tom Gilman, managing director at McLaren Properties and York native, voiced his enthusiasm, saying: ‘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.’
One train station in Manchester and another in Liverpool are also getting a million-dollar makeovers, so here’s hoping that more northern cities’ trains start to get some love, until everywhere is as well served as London. Ah, a northerner can dream.
Trains in the news
We at Time Out like to keep up to date on the latest in the world of UK railway news. For instance, did you see that a new scenic rail route through the beautiful Yorkshire Dales will launch this summer? Maybe you missed that Britain’s worst railway stations for delays have been revealed, or that this train operator is the UK’s first to offer passengers free period products. We also keep up to date with latest information about ongoing strikes with our national industrial action hub.
Do you think that this UK castle is really the most overrated attraction in the entire world?
Plus: These are UK’s best private schools, according to a prestigious ranking.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.