Work set to start on York Community Stadium

York City Knights have received a further huge boost with the news that all contracts relating to the build and operation of their new Community Stadium and leisure complex have now been signed.

This news marks a major milestone in the Community Stadium project and means that Greenwich Leisure Ltd will now formally take possession of the Monks Cross site and diggers will be on site before Christmas. In preparation for full construction works, site security and compounds will arrive on site within the next few weeks.

Greenwich Leisure Ltd will also take over the operation of Energise Leisure Centre and Yearsley Swimming Pool, as part of the wider new stadium and leisure contract, from 1 December 2017.

This news comes after last month, it was announced that Greenwich Leisure Ltd had appointed Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd as the new building contractor.

Once complete the new Community Stadium Leisure Complex will comprise of an 8,000 all-seat community sports stadium to host professional football and rugby league games. There will also be new leisure facilities incorporating a swimming pool, gym, dance studio, indoor and outdoor climbing facilities and a sports hall with spectator seating.

A commercial development on the stadium site will also feature a cinema complex, including an IMAX screen, five restaurants and up to three retail units.

On top of this, NHS outpatient services will be offered on site from a community hub and there will be a new Explore library and a York Against Cancer retail unit.

The new stadium, leisure facilities and the community hub will all open in 2019 along with the new cinema and commercial units.

Councillor David Carr, Leader of City of York Council said:

“This is a huge step forward. I am delighted that this major project is at last moving forward with construction workers on site before Christmas.

“We have always been committed to delivering the Community Stadium and accompanying facilities which, once complete, will be a great asset for the city and residents”

Councillor Ann Reid, interim executive member for leisure, culture and tourism said:

“It is fantastic that construction on the stadium and accompanying leisure and community facilities will be starting soon. The stadium will offer a variety of top-class facilities for residents to enjoy.

“The agreements also secure the future of Yearsley and Energise, which will benefit residents across the city.”

Knights Chairman Jon Flatman said:

“York City Knights would like to thank all parties for their commitment to the project and the growth of Rugby League as a sport in the city. The stadium provides us with a step change opportunity to deliver top class events suitable for people of all ages. We welcome the opportunity to continue to work in partnership to make the community of York proud of our sport and our club.”

Jason McGill, Chairman of York City Football Club, said:

“York City FC is encouraged by the news that contracts for the New Community Stadium and Leisure Project have been signed and that work on the site will begin in December. It has been a long and challenging process, at times, but real progress has now been made. The Club is looking forward to the development of the facilities and the opening of the stadium for the start of season 2019/2020. The Club would like to thank everyone associated with the project for their hard work in reaching this crucial stage.”