CONTRACTORS have finally been appointed to build York's new community stadium, City of York Council has revealed.

The authority says Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd have been appointed by Greenwich Leisure Ltd to be their new building contractor for the massive construction project at Monks Cross.

The company will replace builders ISG, who pulled out of the project last December.

A council spokesman said pre-construction design works were already starting ahead of a planned start on construction this autumn.

He said:"The new stadium, leisure facilities and the community hub will all open in 2019, along with the new cinema and commercial units."

The council has also revealed that community partner agreements are expected to be signed for the stadium complex with York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and York Against Cancer this month, adding to existing agreements with York City Football Club and York City Knights.

The news comes in an update on the project to a meeting next week of the executive, which says all necessary legal agreements are expected to be signed soon.

Council leader David Carr said he was delighted the major project was moving forward, with building work to commence soon.

“The stadium and accompanying leisure facilities will benefit the whole of York, with improved facilities that will be important for communities, especially in terms of health and wellbeing, education and leisure," he said.

Cllr Ann Reid, interim executive member for leisure, said it was pleasing to see work was continuing to progress.

She said:“This month, we are expecting to sign agreements with two community partners and are looking forward to working with them to make the most of the stadium and accompanying facilities.”