The unsightly landmark will be razed to the ground as part of a partnership between Selby District Council, Yorkshire Forward and land owners. A land swap deal with the council has been negotiated to enable a new public garden and riverside walk to be constructed on the site at the foot of Selby's old toll bridge.

This scheme is the latest in a series of improvements to the town centre initiated by Yorkshire Forward's Renaissance programme, which has created new public open spaces in the town for local residents.

Cllr Brian Percival, Deputy Leader of Selby Council said, “With the demolition of the derelict petrol station then the delivery of the other half of the much needed quality entrance from the north into the town, we are adding to reasons to come to Selby.”

New development at garage site.
Brian Scott Designs

The move comes just weeks after council planners approved plans for a new mixed use development on the adjacent disused River Wharf. The decision will see a number of units built at the site for leisure and shopping with apartments above.

The demolition and landscaping work is being funded through regional development agency, Yorkshire Forward. The Agency's Assistant Director of Environment, David Custance, added, “This is the latest in a series of public works in Selby town centre and really builds on the success of the Renaissance scheme. Whilst the initial work will be to develop this as a public space, this also facilitates future commercial or residential development, bringing a much needed facelift to this area.”

The initial demolition work started today and is scheduled to last for around three weeks. Fuel storage tanks, a legacy of contamination from the old petrol station, will need to be removed from the site before the building work can commence.