A charming market town in North Yorkshire, renowned for its historic 950-year-old abbey, is poised for a transformative £32 million regeneration project set to commence at the end of May.
Selby's Transformation
Selby, already celebrated for its majestic abbey, artisan shops, quaint cafes, craft beer venues, and scenic trails along the River Ouse, will undergo a significant overhaul. The long-awaited Selby Station Gateway project, spearheaded by North Yorkshire Council with support from the Department for Transport, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, Network Rail, Active Travel England, and Trans-Pennine Express, aims to boost investment and promote sustainable travel.
The project is funded by the government-backed Transforming Cities Fund, designed to encourage walking and cycling between railway stations and town centres.
Key Works
Civil engineering contractor Galliford Try Ltd will begin demolition at the end of May to make way for a new car park and improved walking and cycling routes. Initial demolition will target James William House on Cowie Drive, followed by the former Railway Social Club and Selby Business Centre.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transport, Councillor Malcolm Taylor, stated: “This represents a major investment to enhance the area and improve routes leading to the railway station. We are confident it will act as a catalyst for further investment in Selby.” He added that after months of development and close partnership working, the scheme is ready to begin.
First Phase Deliverables
Over the next year, the first phase will deliver:
- New accessible platform access to the rear of the station building
- A brand-new station car park
- A completely remodelled bus station
- Major improvements to local walkways and cycleways
This phase, including removal of existing unused buildings, is expected to take roughly 12 months. While initial timelines targeted completion by autumn 2028, delays have made the exact finish date uncertain. The first public consultation occurred in 2019, with work originally slated for October 2025 but postponed due to bats on site. Plans then aimed for March 2026 but faced further delays.
With this £32 million investment, Selby hopes to enhance its appeal to both visitors and residents, fostering a more connected and sustainable community.
