Selby, a historic market town in North Yorkshire, is finally seeing its long-awaited £32 million regeneration project come to life. The Selby Station Gateway scheme, which has faced numerous delays, is set to begin construction at the end of May 2026. This first phase of a broader Vision for Selby redevelopment aims to modernize the station area with better public transport links, improved pedestrian and cyclist access, and new public spaces to connect the station with the town center.
Project Details and Timeline
The project, led by North Yorkshire Council in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Network Rail, and TransPennine Express, has been in planning since 2019. Initial construction was expected in October 2025 but was postponed to March 2026 due to protected bats on site. Now, diggers are finally set to appear in the coming weeks. The initial works, expected to take 12 months, include demolishing unused buildings near the station, constructing a new car park, remodeling the bus station, creating accessible routes to train platforms, and building a public plaza linking the station to Selby Park. However, due to repeated delays, no confirmed completion date has been announced.
Selby at a Glance
Selby is a picturesque market town on the River Ouse, about 14 miles south of York, 26 miles east of Leeds, and 162 miles north of London. It offers direct train services to Leeds, York, Hull, and Manchester, and is accessible via the A19 and M62. Key attractions include Selby Abbey, a medieval church dating back nearly 1,000 years, riverside walks, independent cafés, pubs, and nature reserves like Skipwith Common.
Future Phases and Housing
Future phases of the regeneration could include an eco visitor centre, outdoor performance space in Selby Park, and an urban village of around 1,000 new homes in the Selby Station Quarter over the next 10 to 15 years. Additionally, a site at Crosshills Lane is allocated for up to 1,270 homes, along with open space, community, education, and shopping facilities.
Impact on Property Market
Selby's average house price over the last year was £204,781, significantly lower than York's £333,188. Terraced homes average £169,422, popular with first-time buyers. Prices have dropped 2% from last year and 2% from the 2022 peak. Local estate agent JP Harll notes the market has eased from the 2021-2022 frenzy, giving buyers breathing room, but warns that the best homes still attract strong interest.
