Council backs out of land deal for historic tower after £2m visitors centre plans are scrapped
Council bosses are to reconsider the land arrangements around York’s historic Clifford’s Tower following English Heritage’s decision not to build a visitor centre at the base of the site.
A report to City of York Council’s executive, which meets next Thursday, recommends removing the offer to lease council-owned land around the base of the tower, originally set aside for the visitor centre and surrounding plaza.
The council has agreed to make the offer in January 2017 after English Heritage received planning permission for the centre.
Now, the council says it is revisiting the decision after English Heritage decided to scrap the development last month because of the public opposition. The proposed single-storey visitor centre was described by objectors as reminiscent of a “toilet block”.
The report also recommends that two other land agreements remain in place to allow English Heritage to carry out significant works required to safeguard and conserve the tower and motte.
This would see the freehold of a small section of the motte currently owned by the council, but under the guardianship of English Heritage, transferred to the national charity.
English Heritage would also retain a lease for a temporary site compound for the restoration and conservation works.
Cllr Ian Gillies, leader of City of York Council, said:“It is right that we revisit the land arrangements after English Heritage’s announcement.
“These proposals would address some residents’ concerns that English Heritage could still change their mind and build the visitor centre, while still allowing them to carry out important work to conserve this exceptionally important monument.
“English Heritage’s decision is another excellent endorsement of the Castle Gateway engagement process and the exciting plans it has produced. We look forward to working with them as they develop alternative plans to improve the experience of the many people who want to explore Clifford’s Tower.”
