Teams’ stadium hopes are hit by new delays

WORK ON York’s new community stadium has been hit by fresh delays, project bosses confirmed yesterday.

The York Stadium Leisure Complex was due to open in July but will now not be ready until August 19 at the earliest.

The hold-up means that York City Knights will not, as previously planned, be able to play their final two home games of the current rugby league season at the stadium.

It had also been hoped that York City would be able to kick off their 2019/20 football season at the ground in early August.

A spokesman for York Council said: “We understand there will be a delay to the completion of the York Stadium Leisure Complex.

“This would mean a handful of games would not be able to take place in the new stadium as planned and the accompanying leisure facilities will be unable to open as soon as we’d hoped. This is subject to commercial discussions so we cannot comment further.

“A significant amount of progress has been made to date, both on and off site, with all stands now visible. We share the disappointment and frustration the delay will cause.

“Work will continue with all partners to minimise any delay and open the York Stadium Leisure Complex as soon as possible, without compromising on quality or safety.”

The stadium scheme was dogged by repeated delays during a marathon planning process, with York City and York City Knights having been expected to move into the venue as long ago as 2011. Construction work finally got under way last September.