Social Impact

Based on UN Sustainability Development Goals, and recognising the importance of this unique regeneration opportunity, the development of York Central is being driven by a collective ambition to create a highly-sustainable place full of life and vitality, where the future health, wellbeing, and prosperity of the communities it serves sit at the very heart of every decision we make.

We’re working with our partners to create a York Central for the long-term, with an acute awareness of the climate change challenges facing our planet. From its extensive parkland and public realm to the choice of places to live, work, connect and play, this will be a place where biodiversity net gain, green infrastructure, sustainable building practices, and renewable energy come as standard.

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York Central has been conceived as a brand-new place to live, work, and play, where its iconic buildings and extensive public realm provide more than enough room for its cultural spirit to come to life. At every opportunity, we will be collaborating at all levels to ensure creativity is integrated into the very fabric of York Central.

From public art commissions to living and working space for creatives; from community partnerships to international collaborations; from pop-up surprises to permanent amenities, the cultural life of York Central is where our commitment to People, Place, Planet, Partnership, and Prosperity will truly shine through.

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York Central has invested an initial £150k (£50k per year for 3 years) into York-based grass root community projects and organisations that support the city’s objectives to address: Equal opportunity, cost-of-living crisis, environment and the climate emergency, health and wellbeing.

We’re encouraging local charities, organisations and good causes to come forward to be part of the next round of funding from the York Community Fund. For more information on how to apply when the next round opens, visit the Two Ridings Community Foundation website.

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Through the design and construction phase of York Central our collective workforce will be carrying out 10,000+ hours of skilled and unskilled volunteering in York.

We are actively working with York CVS and York Cares to channel our efforts to ensure our resources make a real difference to York residents.

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York Central will generate more than 6,500 jobs. An estimated 1,500+ jobs will be supported through the construction phase of the project. This will include new, accessible and inclusive jobs for local residents to begin or progress their career in construction. All new jobs will be advertised through City of York Council, local community organisations, and local Job centres to ensure local people have the opportunity to apply.

During the operational phase (hotel, commercial offices, retail etc.) around 5,000+ jobs will be generated on the project. York Central will be working with the businesses located in and around York to ensure jobs remain inclusive and accessible to local people.

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We are committed to contract and work with York and North Yorkshire businesses of all sizes, particularly through the construction phase of the project.

Opportunities for businesses will be explored both directly with York Central and indirectly as part of our extensive supply chain.  York Central will also be working with institutions and organisations, such as Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise York, FSB, and the CITB etc. to provide training, advice and guidance, and support for businesses looking to access future opportunities on the project.

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Working with York College and local universities, we are committed to ensuring that over 100 Apprentices are supported throughout the construction phase of the project.

We are also working with local educational establishments from primary schools through to the Universities to provide insight, vocational training and experiences for local pupils and students.

 

Learn more about our York Central guiding principles that underpin this vision.

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