Council’s £30m city centre transformation plans move forward

Work on a £30m redevelopment in York city centre, which includes replacing a car park next to the city’s 750-year-old Clifford’s Tower with a public space, could start as early as next year.

City of York Council has outlined its intention to “get on with” a masterplan to give some of the city’s most important and historic sites “the setting they deserve”.

The council’s leader Cllr Ian Gilles and deputy leader Cllr Andrew Waller unveiled the masterplan for the Castle Gateway, which includes:

Replacing the car park around Clifford’s Tower with public space.
Alternative city-centre parking at a new multi-storey at St George’s Field.
New riverside walkways and a pedestrian cycle bridge over the Foss.
Transforming the Foss Basin, with new homes, water based leisure activities, and a riverside walkway from the south
Revitalising Piccadilly as a pedestrian-friendly street, with apartments above hubs for independent traders and small local businesses.

Now council leaders said they are committing to press ahead with the planning applications which would allow construction to begin on the new car park as early as Spring 2019.

Cllr Gillies said: “I’m delighted to reveal a masterplan which is both deliverable while meeting residents’ ambitions and respecting the area’s heritage.

“At its heart is one of our most historic sites which, for the first time in decades, will have the car-free setting it deserves.

“The high quality public space around it will set the tone for the total transformation of this part of York.”

Cllr Waller added: “The Castle Gateway sees of our most loved heritage side-by-side with some of the city centre’s most awkward and under-used spaces.

“Thanks to an open conversation with residents, we have a plan which breathes new life into all of it. We have a shared vision which has extensive support. Today we’re committing to deliver it.”

The plans were developed by the council working with My Future York and involved ideas generated by residents.

The masterplan and delivery timetable will be considered at the council’s executive meeting on April 26.