INVESTMENT of £155m in infrastructure for York Central will be discussed by City of York Council's Executive next week.

The project will provide up to 2,500 homes and up to 100,000m2 of commercial space which developers say could grow York’s economy by 20 per cent, and a report submitted to the council recommends the creation of a £155m budget for a new access road, bridge and spine road, site clearance, demolitions, utility diversions and drainage.

If approved, the infrastructure fund will also deliver a new park, public squares and a new western railway station entrance into the city, with pedestrian and cycle routes through the site.

The proposed budget will comprise a combination of external grants, contributions, previously agreed approvals and £35m of council borrowing which will be repaid through business rates.

Leader of City of York Council, Cllr Ian Gillies, said: "To grow the economy, improve the health and wellbeing of residents and provide more homes in the city centre, it’s crucial we look at how the scheme is funded and how the council can work to unlock the site to realise it’s full potential."

If the Executive approve the report, the decision will be considered by full council in December. Executive will then need to approve specific work packages when they are ready for funding from this budget.

Executive takes place on Thursday, November 29, from 5.30pm and is open to members of the public or is available to watch live online from york.gov.uk/webcasts