New start date set for £32m regeneration scheme

A fresh start date has been set for a multimillion-pound scheme designed to regenerate the area around a market town's railway station.

The first public consultation on the £32m Selby Station Gateway Scheme was held in 2019, with work originally due to begin in October 2025. It was then pushed back to March 2026.

North Yorkshire Council has now said the first phase of the scheme, which will include the building of a new station car park and accessible platform access, will begin at the end of May.

Malcolm Taylor, the senior Conservative councillor responsible for transport, said: "This represents a major investment to enhance the area and improve routes leading to the railway station."

The gateway scheme is part of a wider government-backed project known as the Transforming Cities Fund, which was set up to encourage people to walk or cycle between town centres and railway stations.

The first phase of the work in Selby will also see a number of buildings demolished, including the former Railway Social Club, and business centre, in Station Road.

There will also be an improved and remodelled bus station, and improvements to footpaths and cycleways.

Taylor said: "I'm pleased to announce that after many months of development, and through close working with partners and the community, we are ready to begin the scheme.

"We will keep the public updated when details of further phases come forward."

But Steve Shaw-Wright, who represents Selby West and is North Yorkshire Council's Labour group leader, said: "I won't be holding my breath."

"This development should have been completed by now," he added.

"Hopefully, however, it will be worth waiting for. My main priority is that work starts, keeps on time, and, when it's finished, gives passengers and residents a first-class service," he added.

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