Clifford's Tower and Eye of York plans move a step closer
A new ' world class public space' has been approved.
A new public space around Clifford’s Tower and Eye of York to replace Castle Car Park is a step closer after planning committee approved the replacement car parking on St George’s Field last week (Thursday 7th January).
City of York Council say the approval of St George’s Field, and last month’s approval of the Castle Mills development, are major milestones in the delivery of the Castle Gateway masterplan.
The centre piece of the masterplan, approved in 2018 with cross-party political support, is the world class public space to replace Castle Car Park. Design work on this space is underway and planning applications due to be submitted later this year.
St George’s Field will provide the car parking that will allow Castle Car Park to close, replacing two large surface level car parks and concentrating them in to a modern efficient multi-storey car park that will be accessible in times of flood, and will move thousands of car journeys outside of the inner ring-road.
The smaller footprint of the multi-storey car park will allow the creation of a new public park next to Skeldergate Bridge and will also create a new cycle and pedestrian route in to the city from the south via a new crossing over the inner-ring road.
Councillor Nigel Ayre, executive member for finance and performance, said “This is fantastic news and another important milestone in a bold plan to transform such an important part of our city.
“Castle Gateway will provide exactly what York needs to continue its economic recovery. It gives the space for businesses to grow and more affordable houses, while the new public spaces, cycle paths, walkways and modern parking will bring residents and visitors into the city.
“We remain committed to providing parking to replace the closure of Castle Car Park. We’ve also rightly given ourselves enough time to understand the impact of COVID, further engagement with blue badge holders and to develop the Local Transport Plan before we start building on St George’s Field.
“We’ve been able to deliver where decades of other proposals failed because we’ve placed quality public engagement at the heart of the proposals. I look forward to taking part in the next set of conversations as residents shape a world-class, family-friendly space which everyone can enjoy.”