City of York Council has submitted plans to transform the castle car park, Eye of York and the wider area into a new, world-class public space.
The plans have been designed by landscape architects at BDP and include ambitious proposals to transform the Castle Gateway area. As part of the planning process, these plans are now available for viewing and comments.
The newly unveiled design follows the open community brief produced in 2019, which set out ideas submitted by residents on the future use of the space. The design concepts and evolving ideas were tested with the public throughout 2021.
The plans include:
- A new open space to gather, play and enjoy the fountains and also host large scale events throughout the year
- A park will transform the Foss riverside, and create a new link behind the Castle Museum into Castle Gardens and the new bridge to Castle Mills
- A path around the base of Clifford’s Tower will allow people to walk around the motte, and also serve as an act of remembrance to commemorate the 1190 Jewish massacre
- The Eye of York, will retain the central oak tree and lawn, whilst increasing biodiversity, providing seating and a performance space for music, theatre and public speaking
- A route through the former car park area will reinstate the historic Castlegate approach that linked the city with the castle area
- Tower Street will become a shared space for pedestrians and cars, with blue badge parking provided
- New landscaping will create a feeling that you have arrived into a new place and will also create different qualities of space, from reflective and peaceful to lively and playful.
A flythrough video showing the full scheme can be watched at: https://youtu.be/uu9F-kf6Xqw
Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council, said: “This is another significant step forward for the Castle Gateway scheme.
“We are grateful to those who have helped shape the plans through their feedback over the last few years, to make sure this space is what the community and city needs.
“Castle Gateway is a part of our plans to make York an even better place to live and visit, creating a world-class public space for everyone to enjoy and attracting high quality events on our residents’ doorsteps.”
Councillor Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Finance and Performance at City of York Council, said: “I’m delighted that we have reached this next stage of the Castle and Eye of York project with some truly bold and ambitious plans to transform this culturally and historically significant area.
“The feedback from businesses and residents is at the heart of these plans, so I hope as many people will continue to engage as the project progresses to ensure it delivers a world-class space that is right for our communities.”
The planning application can be viewed at https://www.york.gov.uk/planningapplications under reference number 22/00209/FULM.
You can also comment by email to planning.comments@york.gov.uk or by post to Development Management, City of York Council, West Offices, York YO1 6GA.
Events are taking place in February which will provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about the planning application, including:
- A Facebook Live online presentation and Q&A will be taking place on Wednesday 16 February from 6pm to 7pm. This will be hosted on the City of York Council Facebook page. Residents can interact with the session by submitting questions in advance by emailing them to YourQuestions@york.gov.uk. People can also comment during the event if they have a Facebook account.
- Hosted My Castle Gateway walks will be taking place on Saturday 19 February 2022, on-site between 12pm to 1.30pm. The walks will present the designs, explore how they respond to the Open Brief, and discuss how you will use the new spaces. Please book your place in advance at https://mycastlegateway.org/events
Further information can be found on the My Castle Gateway project at https://www.york.gov.uk/CastleEyeOfYork and https://mycastlegateway.org/.
