Julian Calls for King’s Cross-Style Regeneration at York Central
November 24, 2015
Yesterday Julian visited King’s Cross with Roger Madelin, Chief Executive of site developer Argent, to find out more about the regeneration project and how it could be used as a blueprint for the York Central Teardrop site.
For many years King’s Cross was an underused industrial wasteland with great potential for development, much like Teardrop site around the railway station in York. A huge regeneration drive was launched in 2007 which has transformed the area, creating new spaces for shops, offices, restaurants and homes.
The Chancellor, George Osborne, is expected to make announcements about successful Enterprise Zone bids in tomorrow’s Comprehensive Spending Review, and the York Central site remains a strong contender.
Speaking after the visit Julian said, “It was fantastic to see how the redevelopment at King’s Cross has completely revitalised the area. In York we have a very similar site that has the potential to transform the city centre, and the dynamic design at King’s Cross is clearly one of the reasons why the development has been so successful.
“The teardrop site is key to York’s economic future, with great potential for inward investment if more sought after A-grade city centre office space is delivered. This would provide a big boost to York’s economy and drive up wages by attracting more companies in sectors like professional services and insurance.
“The site has the potential for improved access to the station, and to deliver a regional transport hub connecting not just the North and South, but also the East and West. It is this connectivity that could act as a real incentive to businesses looking to invest in the region.
“I hope that the Chancellor will carefully consider the case put forward by the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding LEP for an Enterprise Zone on the site.”
