Councillors to consider next steps for major projects

Senior Councillors will receive an update on some of the city’s major projects at a meeting next week (15 July). These are the big investments that are transforming areas of the city.

At the meeting, the Council’s Executive will hear about the progress being made on the Station Gateway project.

In recent weeks significant progress has been made on the project and it is starting to take shape.

This includes:

• The installation of the new and improved bus stops on the walls side of the road
• Work on the cycle path and pavements continuing

• Changing the road layout near the Railway Station to prepare for the permanent scheme
• A new temporary crossing has been created to ensure continued access to the station

• The opening-up of new work areas so construction can continue safely

• The removal over 300 tonnes of waste from site – all sent for recycling

At the meeting Executive Members will be asked to agree to complete the approved scheme that is currently delivering on site and agree to an additional funding allocation, made-up of reallocated funding from external grant providers.

Councillor Katie Lomas, Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion said: “The removal of Queen Street Bridge and the associated improvements are hugely complex. We are extremely grateful to everyone for their patience and understanding while the works take place.

“It has been amazing to see the difference made to the area, with views of the city walls not seen since the 19^th century and space created for new public areas, cycle paths and bus stops.

“This report provides an update on the work to date. It also looks at the additional funding needed to complete the project.

“Once finished, the area around the station will provide a fitting entrance to the city and I look forward to continuing to work with partners to make it happen.”

Executive Members will also receive an update on the York Outer Ring Road with proposals being put forward to deliver the project in four phases, with priority given to those areas of the route where changes are required to allow for much needed housebuilding in the city to underpin the Local Plan.

Councillor Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport said: “A key priority for us is to make it easier for people to get around the city. Once complete these projects will do just that.

“The transformation around the front of the station has been amazing to see. While there is still work to do you can really start to see what these changes will mean for people’s journeys. With segregated cycle routes, better bus stops and improved public spaces there will be huge benefits when the scheme is complete.

“Improvements on the outer ring road will help to unlock housing sites, create improved sustainable travel links and offer opportunities to reduce traffic congestion in the city centre.”

Executive takes place on Tuesday 15 July at 4.30pm. Papers are available to view online at https://democracy.york.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=733&MId=15173. It will be available to view online or on demand at www.york.gov.uk/Webcasts