Work on the new LNER Community Stadium in the English city of York has been completed, with the local council and operators GLL to formally take control of the 8,500-seat venue tomorrow (Friday).
The stadium, which will serve as the home of York’s football and rugby league teams, has faced a number of delays and was originally due to open in July. The project was initially proposed in 2009.
Work on the project has now been completed, with the complex to also include a library, community offices for York’s sports clubs, York Against Cancer shop and offices, NHS outpatient services, new swimming facilities, a gym, dance studio and sports hall with spectator seating.
Final safety checks have now been completed and City of York Council and GLL will formally assume control of the stadium tomorrow.
Councillor Keith Aspden, leader of City of York Council, said: “The new stadium and wider complex will provide excellent facilities for sports fans and local residents alike. There is no doubt that it will be an incredible home for both York City Football Club and York City Knights, and an important destination for the wider city.
“With a new leisure centre, pool, library and NHS Services, the complex is providing a timely and very welcome boost to the whole city. These are strange and difficult times to open new buildings and services, but we are working with every partner to make sure residents can enjoy them safely, and as soon as possible.”
York City FC currently plays in National League North, the sixth tier of English football, and the club hopes to move into the new stadium as soon as possible.
A club spokesperson said: “This is really positive news. After a long wait, we’re now very close to moving into our new home. We’re aware that there are some final checks and approvals which need to be completed before we can take to the pitch but we’re looking forward to our first match at the LNER Community Stadium.”
The stadium will also be the new home of the York City Knights rugby league team, which plays in the second-tier Championship.
The LNER Community Stadium is also set to be one of the host venues for next year’s Rugby League World Cup in England. The venue will stage Group B matches and the semi-finals during the women’s tournament.
The new stadium will replace Bootham Crescent as the home of York City FC and York City Knights. Planning permission has been granted for 93 houses to be built on the Bootham Crescent site.
Image: York City Knights
