Selby station transformation begins with demolition works this month
Work is set to begin on the £32 million redevelopment of Selby railway station, with demolition crews scheduled to arrive on-site by the end of this month. The project, funded through the Transforming Cities Fund, aims to reposition the station as a central transport hub by improving pedestrian access, cycling routes, and public transport connectivity across the region.
Contractors Galliford Try Ltd will initiate the first stage of the scheme by demolishing James William House on Cowie Drive. This will be followed by the removal of the former Railway Social Club and the Selby Business Centre on Station Road. These initial works clear the way for a 12-month first phase of construction designed to modernize the station’s immediate surroundings and internal layout.
Demolition schedule and phase one milestones
The first 12 months of the project focus on heavy infrastructure changes and site preparation. Beyond the removal of existing structures, the initial phase includes the construction of a dedicated car park and the creation of accessible platform access located at the rear of the station building.
| Project Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Demolition | James William House (Cowie Drive) |
| Secondary Demolition | Railway Social Club and Selby Business Centre |
| Phase One Duration | Approximately 12 months |
| Key New Features | Station car park and rear platform access |
| Transport Hub Changes | Remodelled bus station and cycleway improvements |
Local residents and commuters can expect to see significant activity around Station Road as the site is secured for the demolition phase. The removal of the Selby Business Centre and the social club marks a definitive shift in the local landscape, making room for expanded transit facilities.
Infrastructure upgrades and pedestrian access improvements
A core objective of the £32 million investment is the promotion of sustainable travel. The scheme includes a comprehensive remodel of the existing bus station to better integrate it with rail services. Footpaths and cycleways leading to the station will undergo significant improvements to ensure safer and more direct routes for those arriving on foot or by bike.
These upgrades are intended to reduce local congestion by providing viable alternatives to car travel for short-distance commutes. The inclusion of accessible platform access at the rear of the building is specifically designed to improve the experience for passengers with mobility requirements, ensuring the station meets modern accessibility standards.
Investment partners and long-term regeneration goals
The funding for the project is a collaborative effort involving the Department for Transport, North Yorkshire Council, the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, and Active Travel England. Delivery of the scheme is being managed by North Yorkshire Council with support from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Network Rail, and Trans-Pennine Express.
Executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Malcolm Taylor, noted that the project follows months of development and community consultation. The council anticipates that the improved transport links will serve as a catalyst for further private and public investment in the Selby area, enhancing the town’s economic prospects.
As the first phase progresses over the next year, North Yorkshire Council has committed to providing regular updates regarding subsequent phases and any temporary changes to station access or local traffic flow. The project remains a central component of the wider regional strategy to improve connectivity between North and West Yorkshire.
Source: North Yorkshire Council
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