Scheme to clear historic city’s streets vital for economy

Major improvements have already been made since the launch of the Reinvigorate York project last September across the city centre with re-paving being carried out and unwanted railings, bollards and signs removed.

The initiative was launched by York Council and is being spearheaded by Sir Ron Cooke, the chairman of York Civic Trust and the city’s Local Strategic Partnership, dubbed Without Walls.

Plans were unveiled yesterday to roll out the Reinvigorate York scheme to other areas of the city centre to improve King’s Square and the route from the station to the Minster once funding has been secured.

Studies have shown that improvements to public spaces in cities including Sheffield, Newcastle and Liverpool have led to economic benefits by attracting more shoppers and improving retail quarters.

Sir Ron, who is the chairman of the Reinvigorate York project, said: “The quality of York’s inner city public spaces are fundamental to sustaining the city’s present and future prosperity, and it is important to most people who live, work, visit and invest here.

“But spaces in the city centre are looking tired and shabby in places, and need urgent attention.

“We’re already making significant changes and the council’s initiative provides a unique opportunity to reinvigorate the core area, and I am pleased to help in achieving this very laudable aim.”

The Reinvigorate York scheme was launched to help boost access for both pedestrians and cyclists across the city centre while also tackling traffic congestion.

It is also aimed at enhancing public spaces by removing signs and bollards that have cluttered up streets including Parliament Street, Colliergate and Museum Street.

The work that has already been conducted since the scheme was launched has seen the city’s Library Square benefit from new paving, benches and lighting.

A toilet block on Parliament Street which was long seen as one of the city centre’s most enduring eyesores has been demolished, and the area has been re-paved.

The removal of the toilet block has created a new performance space which will be used for the short term, with a consultation to follow on the area’s longer term future.

York Council’s cabinet member for planning, sustainability and transport, Coun Dave Merrett, said: “Reinvigorate York is providing a lasting legacy, enhancing the public realm and supporting city centre retailers.

“This is part of a range of initiatives we are pushing forward to achieve a confident economic vision for the future success of our city centre.”