THE main construction partner on York's Community Stadium scheme is pulling out of the project.

ISG will no longer be part of the consortium led by leisure operator GLL, which is intended to create the stadium and an associated leisure and retail development at Monks Cross.

The move follows further delays in the project, most recently caused by an application for judicial review of a decision by York planners to approve plans for a larger cinema alongside the stadium than was originally proposed.

The application is due to be heard at the High Court next month.

A spokesman for ISG said today: “We’ve worked for over two years, alongside our consortium partners, to realise the vision for a new community stadium at York, and successfully delivered the enabling package for the scheme in late 2015.

York Press:

"Our commitment to the stadium has never been in question and we have worked diligently to explore every opportunity to bring the scheme to site.

"However, with further delays caused by the Judicial Review and increasing cost pressures, we’ve been unable to reach a consensus for the next phase of the project.

"We will continue to support our partners as they seek an alternative contractor.”

City of York Council said this afternoon it was fully committed to delivering the Community Stadium and Leisure Facility project, which would provide a wide-range of facilities.

"We are continuing to work with our longstanding partners including the consortium lead and leisure operator GLL to build the best leisure, sport and health offer for the city," said a spokeswoman.

"We have been clear to the consortium for some time that any further costs on the project can only be accepted once demonstrated that it provides best value in the current market place.

"Whilst the council has had no direct relationship with ISG, we are disappointed that they have withdrawn from the project and GLL will now seek to secure an alternative contractor through a competitive process to bring forward a scheme within budget.”

The Press has asked GLL to comment and will publish their statement when received. York City Football Club has declined to comment.

More to follow...