Decision details

Purpose of report: To take forward recommendations originally proposed by the Future York Group to undertake an economic masterplan of the city to provide greater certainty for future investment and development. In addition, to provide greater certainty for developers through the establishment of a York Renaissance Team to maximise the economic and design potential of major developments in the City. The aim is for the economic masterplan to be completed by Spring 2010 and that this will guide a 3 year programme to be undertaken by the York Renaissance Team.

Members are asked to: To seek the approval of the Executive to undertake an economic masterplan for the city and to establish a York Renaissance Team, both to be fully funded by Yorkshire Forward.

RESOLVED: (i)         That the proposal set out in the report be endorsed and that approval be given for:

a)     The preparation of an economic masterplan for the City, to be funded by Yorkshire Forward and completed by May 2010;

b)     The creation of a York Renaissance Team consisting of six officers on three-year fixed term contract, employed by City of York Council and funded by Yorkshire Forward and English Heritage;

c)      The establishment of a York Renaissance Academy to enhance staff skills in ‘place-making’, to be funded by Yorkshire Forward.

REASON:            To provide greater certainty for future investment in the City.

                        (ii)        That updates be requested on how the economic masterplan will improve the sustainability objectives of the Council and the Local Strategic Partnership in developing York as an example of a low carbon economy, and the stimulation of local jobs and training during future developments in the City.

REASON:      To keep the Executive informed on the benefits that the economic masterplan is expected to bring to the City.