Joint developers McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate are working with Homes England and Network Rail Property to build 2,500 new homes and create up to one million sq ft of office, retail and hospitality space, along with improvements to the York Railway Station and an enhanced National Railway Museum.

McLaren’s expanded team will operate under Tom Gilman, managing director of McLaren Regeneration, and will collaborate closely with Allan Cook, founder of Arlington Real Estate.

The vast 45-hectare scheme will transform one of the largest brownfield sites in England.

Stafeckis will have a strategic role within the York Central team, which includes Jack Widdup, a current development director at McLaren Living, who will focus on York Central’s build-to-rent and co-living offer.

Stafeckis previously worked as head of development (North) at CEG – formerly Commercial Estates Group – where she was responsible for significant regeneration projects and partnerships across brownfield land in Leeds.

She will be primarily responsible for the environmental and social sustainability opportunities for all elements of the York Central project.

Tom Gilman, managing director of McLaren Regeneration, said: “York Central is a significant project for York and the UK, which will transform one of the largest brownfield sites into a vibrant and sustainable mixed-use community.

“We are assembling a strong team composed of experienced professionals, with expertise and insights gained from major regional regeneration projects and broad sector knowledge. I welcome Karen, Jack and Joseph to the team and very much look forward to working together to deliver an outstanding new quarter for the city of York.”