CITY of York Council looks set to relinquish responsibility for the delivery of key infrastructure at the massive York Central development.

The authority's continued role in unlocking a new generation of jobs, homes and cultural facilities on the brownfield site behind York railway station will be considered by the executive next Thursday.

Members will be asked to approve changes including the main grant holder, Homes England, and also Network Rail, taking on the delivery of the bridges, footways, cycleways, roads and other infrastructure projects which are needed to open up the site.

Council leader Keith Aspden said the authority would continue to play a key role in delivering a regeneration which would drive fairer, greener growth and sustainable living in the heart of the city.

Cllr Nigel Ayre, executive member for finance and performance, said that thanks to extensive public engagement, a masterplan had been shaped which gave York the homes, 21st Century jobs and cultural spaces the city needed.

"As we move into the delivery phase, the responsibility and risk now transfers to our partners," he said."However, we are ensuring that the right arrangements are in place to deliver this scheme as quickly and effectively as possible.”

The executive will be asked to approve new governance arrangements and note the council’s continued influence over the scheme's delivery, both within the partnership and as a planning and highways authority.

It will also be asked to provide £150,000 to buy land next to Scarborough Bridge to allow for an improved riverside walkway and to agree next steps to enter contracts to deliver the transformation of the front of York railway station.