Action call over city development bid

York MP asks for Government guarantee

PLANNING: The Government is being urged to commit to one of the North of England’s most significant city centre developments, amid concerns over the viability of the project.

The York Central scheme is seen as vital to the region’s economy, bringing in thousands of jobs and homes to tackle the city’s affordable housing crisis.

THE GOVERNMENT is being urged to commit to one of the North of England’s most significant city centre developments, amid concerns over the viability of the landmark project.

The York Central scheme is seen as vital to the region’s economy, bringing in thousands of jobs and much-needed homes to tackle the city’s affordable housing crisis.

However, a York Council report has revealed that there are concerns over the viability of major schemes – including York Central and the Castle Gateway redevelopment in the district around Clifford’s Tower – and if they will be able to go ahead after the coronavirus lockdown.

The Conservative MP for York Outer, Julian Sturdy, has asked the Government for guarantees that funding for the York Central scheme remains in place.

Ministers committed £77m of essential funding towards the scheme, which is earmarked for one of the biggest brownfield sites in the country, at the start of March. Mr Sturdy has written to the Government asking for assurances that the funding is still allocated for the development.

He said: “The Covid-19 outbreak has brought a number of unexpected costs to the Government and local authorities, but now is the time to be forward thinking by focusing on projects that are vital to York’s recovery, as

well as the long-term security of our local economy.

“With the bulk of funding coming from ring-fenced government grants and other public bodies, there should be no hold-up to progress from York Council on York Central, which has the potential to provide the homes and high-quality commercial space our city needs.

“I have made the case for funding for York Central over a number of years, and now the Government has approved investment there should no delay in progressing what is an incredible opportunity for York.”

The Yorkshire Post reported yesterday that Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick had promised the Government remains committed to its “levelling up” agenda to improve life across the country despite the cost of coronavirus.

Speaking at the daily press conference in Downing Street on Wednesday, Mr Jenrick said devolution would continue and played a key role in rebuilding the economy after the pandemic subsides.

Asked about support for Yorkshire – and devolution specifically – and whether money committed would still flow, Mr Jenrick said: “This Government was elected on a platform of levelling up and uniting the whole country and we have absolutely no intention of stalling those plans.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson also claimed that the Government is going to pursue an “agenda of uniting and levelling up across the whole of the UK”.

Council leaders in York are due discussed the impact of coronavirus on the city at a meeting which was held yesterday.

The Covid-19 outbreak has brought a number of unexpected costs. Julian Sturdy, MP for York Outer.