INSURANCE firm Legal & General has confirmed it is pouring £35 million into York's community stadium project.

Private investment from the company was already known to be part of the funding, and Legal and General's involvement is coming via its Leisure Fund.

Andrew Ferguson, senior fund management at LGIM Real Assets,said it was an example of how the firm could work with developers and authorities to unlock opportunities.

"Good-quality leisure developments in the UK are still relatively rare. The chance to fund a brand new scheme, anchored by Cineworld, in an important growth city such as York is a great opportunity for the Leisure Fund.

"This is a significant development for York and an important investment for the City which will create jobs and contribute to the growth of the local economy."

Legal & General is funding Wrenbridge Sport and the City of York Council, and will help build the 13 screen IMAX 50,000 sq ft cinema which has been pre-let to Cineworld, as well as restaurants and shops.

Wrenbridge managing director Richard Arnold said: "Now we will turn our attention to delivery and our contractor the Buckingham Group, are already preparing to start construction with the aim of completion of the stadium in June 2019. At same time we will be building the cinema, leisure, retail and restaurants adjacent to the stadium.