Irish-headquartered John Sisk & Son (Sisk) has marked a major milestone in the transformative York Central development, with the first phase of its £150 million infrastructure works officially opening to the public for the first time.

The newly completed section features a 1.5km development spine road, including footways, dedicated cycleways, bus routes, sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) and extensive soft landscaping. At the heart of this phase is Hudson Boulevard, a 480-metre-long public realm area offering segregated pedestrian and cycle paths directly linking into the rear of York Railway Station.

The opening of this key infrastructure unlocks access to the broader development site, which is set to deliver 2,500 new homes, 1 million square feet of commercial space, and create 6,000 new employment opportunities.

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Sisk has worked in close collaboration with lead client Homes England, along with project partners including City of York Council, Network Rail, and the National Railway Museum, to overcome the complex challenges of this brownfield remediation and infrastructure programme.

Phase two of the infrastructure works is already underway and includes the installation of a new footbridge, a landmark road-over-rail bridge, and intricate reinforced earth embankments and retaining structures. Once completed, the full route will connect the York Central development directly to the city centre.

Matt Mosley, Regional Director on behalf of Sisk Infrastructure, commented: "Sisk is proud to have led the construction of this key infrastructure for the City of York.

The new multiuser network will be the catalyst for expanding the city and providing residential and commercial benefits throughout the region. We have collaborated closely with our client, Homes England, driving best value solutions and significant social value benefits. We would like to thank the Sisk team and our supply chain partners for their support through delivery of this first phase."

Leon Guyett, Project Director on behalf of Homes England and Network Rail, added: "The opening of the new road, walking and cycling routes is a huge step forward for the project, providing safer and more attractive journeys into the city centre for pedestrians, cyclists, bus users and drivers.

"The route will not only provide modern sustainable transport infrastructure but will also assist in unlocking York Central for new homes, public realm and commercial space."