A LANDMARK deal has been signed to start the redevelopment of a 35-hectare site in the centre of York.

Local council leaders and Network Rail have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to start redeveloping the city centre's biggest brownfield site in early 2016.

The site, known as York Central, will see the creation of 480 homes and 80,000 square metres of office space in the area behind the city’s station and the National Railway Museum.

Council leader James Alexander said the developments were crucial to the city's economic growth, and would meet the need for office space and homes.

"We have been talking about this as a city for many years, and I am very pleased to see this key strategic site coming forward.

“The potential for this site in the York Northwest area is huge and signing the MoU is a major step to finally being in a position to move the York Central site forwards."