York councillors in city centre areas have praised the public engagement that has gone into creating the masterplan for a major redevelopment.
On Tuesday ambitious plans were unveiled for a £30 million overhaul of the area around Clifford’s Tower, Piccadilly and St George’s Fields.
It comes after a nine-month long public consultation project – run by city architect Phil Bixby and academic Helen Graham under the guise of My Future York – and council leaders Ian Gillies and Andrew Waller said the innovative approach differentiated this version of the plan from earlier, unsuccessful, schemes.
Cllr Janet Looker. Labour Group Leader, represents the Guildhall ward, and said:
“We’re really pleased to see some key priorities met through the masterplan, such as the removal of Castle car park and the introduction of a public square around Clifford’s Tower.
A river walkway is also a positive feature that we fully endorse.
This shows that the council has a better chance of getting things right when it fully engages and listens to the public, and when decent quality public spaces are prioritised as part of a large scale plan like this one.”
Her Labour colleague, James Flinders, echoed that praise saying it was great to see local residents’ and business views being taken into account.
Green councillor Denise Craghill also represents that ward, and said she broadly welcomed the proposals but “the devil would be in the detail” – especially on things like the new building for the back of the Coppergate Centre and the multi-storey car park.
She also said the construction of a new car park would be an ideal time for the city to have a proper parking review – looking at what provision is needed.
Green colleagues Andy D’Agorne and Dave Taylor both represent Fishergate ward, which covers St George’s Fields.
Cllr D’Agorne said the cycle route along the Foss could be key to linking the areas together, and creating a natural route into the city that people want to use on foot and on bikes.
Cllr Taylor said the plans could show York “getting it right at last” for an important area.
He added:
“It’s pleasing to say that the extensive consulation on the Castle Gateway has led to the right answers and the council is listening.
The Castle Area Campaign of the early 2000s called for the historic connection between Clifford’s Tower and the River Foss to be preserved and this is good news for our world-class heritage.”
Article originally appeared on Minister FM
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