This medieval northern town – known for its historic abbey – is getting a dazzling £32 million regeneration

The north Yorkshire town of Selby has plenty going for it. There’s its majestic 950-year-old abbey, its green trails along the River Ouse, its artisan shops, caffs and craft beer bars. Now, a multi-million pound regeneration project hopes to boost its appeal even further. 

The long-awaited Selby Station Gateway project is being led by North Yorkshire Council with support from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Network Rail and TransPennine Express. The first public consultation on the plans was held in 2019 and work on Selby’s station was meant to start in October last year, but it was postponed because of bats living on parts of the site. 

It’s now been confirmed that construction will finally start at the end of May. Work will include demolishing a number of unused buildings around the site, including a former social club and empty business centre units to create space for a new car park and improved walking and cycling routes. The work is being taken on by national civil engineering and highways contractor Galliford Try. 

The station will also get new accessible platform access, a fully remodelled bus station and a brand new plaza connecting it to neighbouring Selby Park. All in all, the project is set to cost £32 million. The first phase (the removal of existing buildings) is expected to take 12 months. Initially the whole project was forecast to be complete by autumn 2028, but following several months of delays, it’s now unclear as to when we can expect it to be finished. 

Local councillor Malcolm Taylor said that the project ‘represents a major investment to enhance the area and improve routes leading to the railway station’. It’s hoped that the regeneration will act as a ‘catalyst’ for further investment into the town and boost its appeal to both residents and visitors. 

ICYMI: The £5 billion project that will transform one of England’s greatest cities. 

Plus: The revival of a ‘forgotten’ railway line could transform this English region. 

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