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Thursday 18 Dec 2025

Network Rail submits planning application for new Wilton Rise Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge at York Central

Region & Route:

Eastern

A planning application has been submitted to City of York Council for the proposed Wilton Rise pedestrian and cycle bridge - a vital piece of the connectivity between the current Holgate community and the emerging York Central neighbourhood.

Network Rail, in collaboration with Homes England and York Central Limited (consisting of McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate) will replace the current Victorian stepped bridge to create an inclusive route for both residents and visitors.

Extensive community consultation has been central to shaping the design of the new Wilton Rise Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge. The current bridge is inaccessible to wheelchair users, cyclists, and families with prams, and replacing it with a fully step‑free route has been a key priority.

Through engagement with local residents, accessibility groups, and the City of York Council, the bridge has been carefully designed to serve both pedestrians and cyclists, ensuring safe and inclusive access for all. Feedback from these discussions has directly informed the final design including the alignment, heights and gradient of the bridge.

The bridge will link into future community spaces and neighbourhoods at York Central, while preserving iconic views of the city, particularly towards York Minster, alongside ensuring the continued operation of vital rail infrastructure.

The delivery of the Wilton Rise Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge is an important part of the infrastructure works for York Central which prepares the site ready for the regeneration scheme which is being delivered by the York Central Limited.

York Central is one of England’s largest city centre brownfield regeneration projects, spanning 45 hectares of land historically restricted to rail use for over 150 years. The ambitious scheme will transform underused railway land into a vibrant residential neighbourhood and a high-quality commercial quarter with cultural and community spaces.

This regeneration is expected to power York’s economy into the future, providing much-needed homes and driving economic growth by 20%.

Stephen Hind, Network Rail, New Business Director said: "The Wilton Rise pedestrian and cycle bridge is more than just infrastructure – it is a symbol of York Central’s commitment to inclusive design, sustainable transport, and placemaking. By replacing a Victorian bridge with a step-free connection, we are opening up York Central to everyone."

Tom Gilman, Managing Director, McLaren Regeneration added: “Wilton Rise footbridge forms a crucial part of York Central's infrastructure and it's great to see Network Rail bringing this new and much-improved pedestrian and cycle route forward. Ensuring York Central is an accessible and inclusive place continues to be a key driver of the work we're undertaking in our role as developer and this application represents yet another great milestone in the wider partnership's ambition to create a world-class city quarter for the people of York.”

The planning submission marks a significant milestone in delivering York Central’s vision. Subject to approval, the new Wilton Rise Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge would be built in phases to ensure a route between Holgate ward and York Central is maintained during construction.

The application is available to view via City of York Council’s planning portal.