New pedestrian and cycle bridge proposed to transform access into York Central

Plans have been submitted for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge in York, marking a key step in improving connections between the established Holgate community and the developing York Central neighbourhood.

The planning application, lodged with City of York Council, sets out proposals for the Wilton Rise Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge. Network Rail is leading the project alongside Homes England and York Central Limited, a joint venture between McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate. The scheme would see the replacement of the existing Victorian stepped bridge with a fully accessible, step-free crossing.

Improving inclusivity has been a central aim of the project. The current bridge presents significant barriers for wheelchair users, cyclists and families with prams, and creating an accessible route for all users has been identified as a priority. Extensive consultation with local residents, accessibility groups and the council has helped shape the final design.

As a result of that engagement, key aspects of the bridge, including its alignment, height and gradient, have been refined to ensure it meets the needs of both pedestrians and cyclists. The design also seeks to balance accessibility with the surrounding environment, safeguarding important views across the city, particularly towards York Minster.

The new bridge is intended to connect directly into future public spaces and neighbourhoods within York Central, while ensuring the continued safe operation of the busy railway below. It forms a crucial element of the wider infrastructure works required to prepare the York Central site for redevelopment.

York Central is one of the largest brownfield regeneration projects in a UK city centre, covering 45 hectares of land that has been largely closed off due to railway use for more than 150 years. The long-term vision is to transform the area into a mixed-use district, delivering new homes, commercial space and cultural and community facilities.

The regeneration programme is expected to play a major role in York’s future growth, providing much-needed housing and contributing to an estimated 20% boost to the local economy.

Submitting the planning application represents a major milestone for the project. If approved, construction of the Wilton Rise Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge would be phased to ensure a connection between Holgate ward and York Central is maintained throughout the build.

Stephen Hind, Network Rail New Business Director, said:

"The Wilton Rise pedestrian and cycle bridge is more than just infrastructure – it is a symbol of York Central’s commitment to inclusive design, sustainable transport, and placemaking. By replacing a Victorian bridge with a step-free connection, we are opening up York Central to everyone."

Tom Gilman, Managing Director of McLaren Regeneration, added:

“Wilton Rise footbridge forms a crucial part of York Central's infrastructure and it's great to see Network Rail bringing this new and much-improved pedestrian and cycle route forward. Ensuring York Central is an accessible and inclusive place continues to be a key driver of the work we're undertaking in our role as developer and this application represents yet another great milestone in the wider partnership's ambition to create a world-class city quarter for the people of York.”

Image: Network Rail