Drop-in session planned as work starts on York’s Gateway project

Residents and businesses are invited to a drop-in event as work on the York Station Gateway project starts.

Contractors will set up in York Station car park this week (week commencing 2 October). Before main work starts on Monday 16 October, residents and businesses are invited to a drop-in to find out more about the project onThursday 12 October between 4pm and 6pm at York RI gym, Queen Street, YO24 1AD.

Earlier this month, John Sisk & Son (Sisk) were announced as main contractor for the first phase of the York Station Gateway works worth £7.8 million. This includes removal of Queen Street bridge, realignment of Queen Street, creation of the new Station Square, improvements to the cycle and pedestrian routes and an enhanced interchange for buses. 

From Monday 2 October Sisk will be in the long stay car park (which remains open although some sections have closed, with fewer spaces available) installing fencing and relocating ANPR barriers. 

More activity will begin on Monday 16 October with the section of Queen Street that runs down to York Railway Institute gymnasium (York RI), where the road will be closed for up to six weeks to enable work to start to demolish the footbridge to the York RI building. 

Businesses, including the York RI, will remain open throughout and accessible via a diversion through the LNER station long stay car park entrance. 

The road is expected to reopen by 24 November. Residents of Queen Street and neighbouring businesses have been contacted directly with further information.

The scheme is being delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) and Network Rail.

Councillor Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Transport and the Economy said:

“This is another step forward for the project which will create a fitting gateway to our historic railway station.

“The project will deliver significant transport improvements as well as welcoming public spaces that will bring major economic and social benefits, alongside the development of York Central.

“We are working closely with our partners to keep people informed and also to minimise disruption. I hope people can attend the first drop-in session with the contractor and project team to find out more.”

Steve Wilson, Deputy Head of Stations at LNER, said:

“It’s great to see the York Station Gateway project gaining momentum and we’re delighted to be working in partnership with colleagues at City of York Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Network Rail to deliver this key scheme to make York Station even more welcoming.

"This project will significantly improve access to the station for everyone and create a much-improved gateway for visitors to the beautiful and historic city.”

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee, said:

We’re proud to be working in partnership to make it easier for people to travel between York and West Yorkshire.

“Investing in a modern, accessible transport network that supports economic growth by connecting more people with opportunities is more important than ever.”

Kevin Wilcock, Project Manager for John Sisk & Son, said:

“The York Station Gateway project is vital for the benefits it will bring long-term to transport around the station, and the spaces that will be created for the community. This will help to improve the area in the vicinity of the iconic York Railway Station and the city walls.

“We are working with local residents to minimise disruption to locals, businesses, and the travelling public. Our team look forward to discussing more about the project with the local community during our first drop-in session.”