Network Rails' plans to develop a new rail operating centre and workforce development centre on land close to York station will bring future employment benefits vital for economic growth and prosperity in York.

The land identified for development is known as the engineer's triangle and lies between York station and Holgate bridge. The intention is that the rail operating centre will eventually control all rail operations on the east coast. The workforce development centre will consolidate training services already provided to rail employees at a number of locations around the route into a single, purpose-built facility.

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Phil Verster, Netowrk Rails route managing director for London North Eastern said: "This decision is great news for York and the railway. These operating and training facilities will allow us to deliver a modern, efficient railway while at the same time maintaining York’s position as a proud rail city.

"The operating centre is the largest of just 14 proposed centres across Britain and will bring the expertise and technology we need to operate the route into a single location. Meanwhile the investment in modern training facilities will make sure our rail employees remain among the best in the world.

"We hope that the location of these new facilities on the edge of the York Central development site could act as a catalyst for further investment in the area."

(CD)