YORK is to spearhead a new government campaign to develop railway station sites and build thousands of new homes around them.

The York Central site is to be a key player in a new agreement drawn up between Network Rail and the government’s Homes and Communities Agency. The deal will see the two bodies working with local councils, including York in what a government statement says will be a trailblazer for development around railway stations for housing and businesses.

City of York Council’s bosses have welcomed the announcement, which they say will expedite development of the long-derelict brownfield land between Clifton Bridge and the station.

The land is mostly owned by Network Rail, the National Railway Museum and York council, and yesterday’s announcement is expected to help the three bodies work together.

Council leader Chris Steward said: “Regenerating York Central is a vitally important, imaginative and ambitious use of a major public, yet underused, asset.

“Our partners recognise this new partnership arrangement and, with ministerial support, will help progress our plans.”

The news was also welcomed by Network Rail boss Rob McIntosh, who said the body wanted to unlock the land it owns to help communities thrive.

The long-term plans for the site also include major redevelopment for the National Railway Museum.