Plans to transform York city centre come under the spotlight at York Festival of Ideas

York Festival of Ideas in partnership with LNER is offering York residents and visitors an exciting opportunity to find out more about the major developments taking place in the city centre.

The free event York: A 21st-century rail hub on Saturday 7 June will turn the spotlight on the York Station Gateway project, which is transforming the area around York Station, making it more pedestrian friendly and showcasing the city’s heritage.

Expert speakers will also discuss how York Central, one of the UK’s largest city centre regeneration schemes, is transforming brownfield land near the station and the National Railway Museum into a brand-new quarter for the city.

Taking place at the University of York, the event will explore how these and other developments, driven by York’s Masterplan, will promote economic, social and cultural growth.

The session is part of a Festival Focus series Beyond the Tracks: Innovation and transformation, which celebrates 200 years of the modern railway. The series features three panel events looking at the past, present and future of rail and its impact locally, regionally and nationally.

LNER is also supporting a series of free family activities designed to spark young people’s imaginations. Explore Space @Discovery Zone on Wednesday 28 May will offer space-themed fun at New Earswick Folk Hall, York, while visitors to Discovery Zone on Sunday 8 June can enjoy crafty, scientific and historical fun at the University of York.

Jake Orros, Community Partnerships Manager at LNER, said: “We are delighted that LNER is a key partner for this year’s York Festival of Ideas. 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the modern railway; we are proudly celebrating our heritage and the role LNER has played in shaping York and connecting communities across the UK at the Festival. Our three fascinating panel events starring industry experts will explore the past, present and future of the railway. We hope that the exciting Discovery Zone featuring hands-on activities for families will inspire the engineers and rail leaders of the future.”

Taking place from 31 May to 13 June, York Festival of Ideas – which is led by the University of York – will present over 200 mostly free in-person and online events. Last year’s events, presented in partnership with over 100 local and national organisations, were enjoyed by an audience of nearly 60,000.

Joan Concannnon, Director of York Festival of Ideas, said: “York has a proud history as a rail hub and ambitious plans for the future. We are therefore thrilled to join forces with LNER to discuss the transformational power of rail at this year’s York Festival of Ideas. We are particularly excited to explore how current and future plans around York Station will drive economic, social and cultural growth, and how rail will contribute to a more sustainable future.”

The three sessions also form part of Railway 200 celebrations across the country, marking 200 years since the Stockton & Darlington Railway opened in September 1825.  Open to the public, Transforming York: Rail’s legacy will examine rail’s impact on York and the wider region, while Rail: A gateway to the future will shine a light on the next generation of rail transport.

More information and booking details are available on the York Festival of Ideas website (yorksfestivalofideas.com).