York Station improvements at risk. Substation relocation costs surged, leading to project review and potential funding gaps.
Moving and upgrading it costs £1.25 million, significantly more than the original estimates of £350,000. The entire scheme faces review as costs climbed since budgets were initially set. The project aims to improve the station front, including roads and public spaces.
Cables must reroute through station areas, which increased costs for the substation. Power capacity needs boosting for the car park, and future-proofing pushed prices even higher.
Moving the substation prevents problems. Only three bus stops would fit otherwise, and off-road cycle lanes would not happen. The taxi rank would lose space too, potentially affecting moving bus stops, and public spaces couldn’t be finished.
The substation needs quick relocation to avoid further costs and project delays. Substation costs are currently around £362,000. The new bus area would be compromised otherwise, impacting the taxi rank and cycle lanes as well.
Substation removal is now critical for completing Phase Two soon. Contractors require urgent instruction, specifically Sisk and Freedom Ltd. Council staff confirmed funding is available.
A separate report shows a £7 million funding gap involving the Station Gateway’s second phase. A council member said the project is under review. Ensuring project completion requires new funds.
Councilors said work underway will still finish, concluding this phase in the spring. The 2025-6 budget diverts £5 million from the York Outer Ring Road scheme. Developer funds will cover the ring road.