REGIONAL leaders have today backed multi-million-pound plans for York's outer ring road and the Guildhall complex.

A £72 million boost for York drivers has moved a step closer after regional leaders backed a series of big projects for the city.

Up to seven roundabouts on the A1237 outer ring road should be upgraded, following key funding decisions on Wednesday, subject to them being formally rubber-stamped next month.

As reported in The Press earlier, members of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority's West Yorkshire and York Investment Committee were meeting today to consider a series of major proposals for York, and they have now endorsed them all.

They approved a £2.35 million grant for the redevelopment of the Guildhall complex, which is to become a business club, offices, a restaurant and a café.

They also agreed to allocate tens of millions of pounds towards roads projects, including at York Central and up to seven roundabouts on the northern stretch of the ring road, between (but not including) the A59 and Hopgrove junctions.

Cllr Ian Gillies, City of York Council's executive member for transport and planning, said: "This endorsement is welcome news for York.

"Although executive and full council will need to formally agree to join the West Yorkshire Transport Fund along with the associated levy, and this is also subject to their full approval, this initial endorsement means we’re one step further towards securing a £72 million investment for major transport projects in York, including York Central and upgrading seven roundabouts on York’s Outer Ring Road.

“A separate investment committee decision secures funding to provide conditional grant funding of £2.35m to transform the Guildhall complex.

York Press:

"This will ensure the future viability of one of York’s most significant buildings through the creation of a vibrant business and civic venue, with supporting commercial development on the riverside, maximising its economic use, heritage appeal and public access."

The Guildhall plan will go before the council's planning committee next month and the council will consider the full business case next March.

To secure the money, City of York Council will need to become a member of the transport fund but need not necessarily become a full member of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.