York City Knights rugby league club has received a huge boost as York Council announced that work to build the new community stadium should begin in October. The main construction phase is expected to take 16 months.
A new commercial development on the stadium site will feature a Cineworld cinema complex, including an IMAX screen, five restaurants and up to three retail units. There will also be new leisure facilities incorporating a swimming pool, gym, dance studio, indoor and outdoor climbing facilities and a sports hall with spectator seating.
NHS outpatient services will be offered on-site from a community hub, subject to board approval, and there will be a new library and a York Against Cancer retail unit.
The 8,000, all-seater stadium will be home to York City Football Club and York City Knights Rugby League Club – supporting their long-term viability. It will also enable the clubs to continue and enhance the success of their current community coaching and engagement programmes.
The new stadium, leisure facilities and the community hub will all open in 2019 along with the new cinema and commercial units.
Jon Flatman, York City Knights RFLC owner, said, “This is a positive step change for Rugby League in York and North Yorkshire. A community stadium will continue the growth of the sport for the professional club, community clubs, universities, colleges and schools.
“We will work hard to bring the 2021 World Cup to York and I look forward to each and every player, volunteer, supporter and coach in the district engaging and benefitting from the investment.”
