A GOVERNMENT cash boost of £23.7 million for York, North Yorkshire and East Riding will "create jobs, support businesses and encourage growth".

Among other projects, the funding will support the redevelopment of York Central Enterprise Zone in order to " create an attractive proposition for private sector investment", the redevelopment of Bridlington Harbour, and a new employment site at Pickering.

The vision for York Central is to build 1,500 new homes on brownfield land neighbouring Leeman Road and the railway station, as well as one million square feet of commercial office space.

Cllr Keith Aspden, deputy leader of City of York Council, said: “I’m pleased we’ve been able to secure extra financial support for the York Central development. This is an extremely important project for the whole region, not just the city of York.

“It will help us provide many thousands of sustainable and higher-paying jobs which will benefit the economy way beyond North Yorkshire."

This latest award of Local Growth Funding is on top of £122.2 million of growth deals funding already awarded to the region. According to the government, this total investment could see up to 11,620 jobs created and 5,965 homes built.

Barry Dodd, the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Enterprise Partnership chair, said: “We welcome this additional investment which builds on our partnership’s success unlocking and growing the local economy.

“Developing Bridlington Marina will help the town capitalise on the Yorkshire Coast’s huge upcoming opportunities; York Central Enterprise Zone will help create much needed quality jobs, and the Pickering investment demonstrates the importance of market towns in driving our rural economy – the majority of our patch.”

Yesterday it was announced that Government investment in the Northern Powerhouse will reach £556 million.

Prime Minister Theresa May announced yesterday that the Government’s industrial strategy would create jobs, support businesses and encourage growth in post-Brexit north.

Included in the investment projects are the Goole Intermodal Terminal - which will link the town’s existing rail, sea, motorway and waterways links to one site, in an improvement which could create jobs, build homes and boost infrastructure.

An overhaul of technical education would also take place, with £170m expected to be invested in the region for a new emphasis on science, technology, engineering and innovation.

The Prime Minister said: “This is how we shape a stronger future for the UK and also ensure we are building a fairer Britain".

Whilst welcoming the funding, Labour has expressed scepticism in the light of years of cuts to council finances.