Start date agreed for £29m regeneration scheme

Selby's Station Gateway scheme will offer improvements to the town's infrastructure, the council says

A start date has been set for multi-million pound scheme to regenerate key parts of a market town.

North Yorkshire Council has confirmed the £29m Selby Station Gateway project will begin in October, with work to remove the former railway social club and empty business units.

Officials say the scheme, which will see a new plaza built, linking the station with Selby Park, is designed to make it easier for people to walk and cycle to and from the station.

The work will be carried out in phases and is estimated to be completed in the autumn of 2028.

The scheme includes more parking and new station access at Cowie Drive and will also create new and upgraded walking and cycling routes.

Malcolm Taylor, the North Yorkshire councillor responsible for transport, said it was hoped by encouraging people to use public transport or "healthy travel options," the town's air quality will be improved.

In turn, that would help grow the town's economy by attracting new investment, Taylor said.

"The delivery of this ambitious project is the first phase of regeneration in the town and will see significant improvements to its infrastructure.

"It is aimed at creating a high quality, safe and welcoming environment surrounding Selby railway station, improving access and links for residents and visitors."

He said the work had been planned to minimise disruption for rail and road users and the wider community.

The scheme aims to improve cyclist and pedestrian access to the railway station

Selby's Labour MP Keir Mather said the gateway project was a "massive priority" and a "really important project" for him.

"It will bring massive improvements to our town, through better connectivity to the railway station and by making the centre of Selby more beautiful."

Galliford Try, a national civil engineering and highways contractor, has been appointed to carry out the works.

Information sessions about the scheme are due to take place at Selby Library on Friday 19 September from 12:00 to 17:00 and on Saturday 20 September between 09:30 BST and 12:00.

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.