Multi-million pound plan to develop land around Clifford's Tower in York to be reviewed

Senior councillors at York Council will meet next week to discuss a masterplan for the landmark Castle Gateway scheme in the heart of the historic city.

The ambitious regeneration project is focused on land around Clifford’s Tower, the last remaining part of York’s castle dating from the 11th century, and is seen as vital to breathing new life into the city centre’s economy.

Councillors gave the go-ahead in January this year to the first phase of the £55m Castle Gateway project.

Plans include a multi-storey car park being built at St George’s Field, a new bridge over the River Foss, 106 apartments at Castle Mills and a public park behind the Castle Museum.

Coun Nigel Ayre, the executive member for finance and performance, maintained yesterday that the council remains “fully committed” to the Castle Gateway scheme.

However, he admitted that huge uncertainty around the nation’s economy amid the coronavirus pandemic has meant that the authority will be reviewing the plans and the cost of the project.

He said: “Given the challenges presented by the pandemic, it is important that we continue to review all our major projects. The Castle Gateway masterplan was built on extensive engagement with residents and businesses, and its key features remain more relevant today than ever.

“We are looking to put York in a position where we can secure as much investment in the city as possible, while also gaining a financial return from the Castle Mills development to re-invest in the public spaces.”

At a meeting on Thursday next week, the council’s executive will be asked to consider a delay to signing up a construction partner for the St George’s Field multi-storey until more is understood about the economic impact of Covid-19, especially on parking trends.

Councillors will also be asked to commit to bringing forward plans for new public spaces centred around Clifford’s Tower, in the hope that will attract more funding and investment in the city.

The council is also set to press ahead with finding a construction partner to deliver the apartments at Castle Mills, which will help to pay for the regeneration.

Coun Ayre stressed the council will ensure the Castle car park around Clifford’s Tower remains open until replacement parking is available.

The St George’s Field multi-storey is due to act as an alternative site to the Castle car park, which is set to be transformed with the public spaces.

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James Mitchinson