Agenda item

Sit-down portion of the meeting begins formally

Welcome

The Chair (Cllr Fitzpatrick) welcomed everyone to the meeting, and let the attendees know the fire exits and safety procedure. The Chair then explained that Andy Kerr would begin his presentation and that any questions regarding City Centre Access should be directed to members of the Executive, as they have had their decision-making session – Cllr Craghill offered her time to discuss later as a member of the Executive.

Item 2 à 6:30pm – Regeneration of the City Centre

Andy Kerr, the Head of Regeneration and Economy gave a presentation.

·        Andy introduced the history and outcomes of the recent My City Centre consultations: A long term social, environmental and economic strategic vision for a sustainable future for York city centre

·        Andy then explained the engagement that had taken place with the community, local groups, and other networks of York residents, such as York Mumbler

·        Andy also outlined the stakeholders and partners – University of York, North Yorkshire Police, Make It York, York BID, York CVS, Canal and River Trust, York Civic Trust, Guilds representative, York St. John University, York Minster, York Retail Forum, York Hospitality Association, City of York Council, York Cultural Leaders Group, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Disabled Users Group and Indie York.

·        Some 86% of residents who took part in the survey were in support of the proposals

·        There were 8 key outcomes from the consultation

·        1 – Family-friendly city centre – new play spaces, open spaces for family activities, all-age provision, toilet provision, improve information about city centre events, more indoor spaces, new experience-based attractions

·        2 – Events, experiences and sustainable investment in public spaces – invest in public spaces, locations for events and greening the city centre. Events to be: broader, inclusive, cheaper, simpler, less disruptive, better advertised.

·        3 – An attractive city offer at all times – consider use of city centre by those working from home, offset the impact of workers spending in midweek – e.g. evenings after work and lunchtimes. Family friendly activity in early-evenings. Support outdoor eating and café culture, and manage and minimise night-time economy issues.

·        4 – Making tourism work for York – sustainability of the essential tourism sector. Focus: Respect who lives here. Continue to offer better employment as practice by some independent businesses paying staff living wage and better wage. Improve quality of jobs in tourism sector. Provide targeted priority measures for residents over visitors. Look into a York Gift Scheme where visitors could donate to the running of the city with a touch point e.g. for donations of upkeep of City Walls to those visiting City Walls

·        5 – Embracing our riversides – better celebrate the historic, cultural and environmental benefits of our two rivers. Improve riverside spaces, walkways and river corridors. Manage flooding impacts and ensure river safety

·        6 – A safe city centre community which is welcoming to all and accepting of all – successful confident communities for residents to live in. Improve services, open spaces, facilities, safety and accessibility. More dropped kerbs, seating, benches and toilets. Age-friendly city charter status & embed dementia and autism friendly standards into public spaces. Improve living in city centre and city apartments

·        7 – Thriving businesses and no empty buildings – support businesses to thrive and adapt, and improve sustainability, for example support them through changes like online shopping and click + collect shops. Support our independent businesses. Pop-ups used for temporary users in empty buildings. Support tours and experiences exploring historic empty buildings. Encourage re-use of under-used upper floors of buildings.

·        8 – Celebrating heritage and making modern history – recognise huge changes facing city centres nationally. Support re-purpose and re-use to avoid redundancies or under-use of buildings. More planning flexibility to benefit residents and the city. Explore a ‘Living Heritage’ app. Heritage is York’s unique selling point and the resident enjoy it too. York is not a living museum though, so keeping it so buildings can adapt and support them to not become redundant or under-used.

·        Andy explained that there is now a clear strategy, but bear in mind it was developed during Covid, so predicted trends may alter or change in reality.

·        Andy then moved on to City Centre Access

·        Key principles about flows of movement and access to the city, with cars not being encouraged and pedestrians at top priority.

·        Engagement – disabled bays, dropped kerbs, benches and more toilets

·        Implement an Access Officer, as supported by Disability groups.

·        Discussed partners involvement

·        Climate and pollution goals for 2030.

·        Food delivery in and out of the City

·        Working with York BID and local delivery companies using bikes or vehicles

The Chair reminded attendees to raise queries on this to the Executive.

·        Andy then moved on to discuss the My Castle Gateway

·        They have been working with partners including English Heritage.

·        Plans for an ‘Eye of York’ and a path around the base of Clifford’s Tower, to provide a free to access tour around the castle, to include those unable to access the castle due to mobility or disability. They have also been working with the Jewish community to incorporate a memorial to the massacre of those living in York of the Jewish faith back in the 12^th century AD. It was one of the worst anti-Semitic massacres of the Middle Ages that took place in York in 1190. There will also be a walk which commemorates the loss due to the massacre of 1190 AD.

·        In the site next to the Tower they have had discussions with the Courts and the Museum to accommodate their views on the plans. They are in agreement with current proposed plans: for a pop-up event space where the car park is, and an open outdoor public space and exhibition space.

·        Planning application to be submitted at the end of this year

·        Andy moved to field questions from residents. The Chair explained for questions to come in batches so as to maximise time and allow more to speak and have their say. This worked well. Answers indicated by A and grouped by sections covered with topic or theme of question summarised here:

                               i.            Comment from resident about the city centre dying/changing

A.   Changes to historic industry in York, hospitality and retail sector, commuters and businesses headquarters in York, job market challenges.

                             ii.            Comment from resident about dangerous cycle routes

A.   Challenges of space, narrow streets in York, pedestrians remain priority

                          iii.            Comment asking about plans for cycling safety

A.   Cycling is not permitted in pedestrianised areas

Cllr Looker: But no one enforces it

                           iv.            Comment about the ratio of shops to cafes – too many cafes

A.   Conversions of shops to cafes meet demand in the city and address low vacancy rates. More people in creates more footfall, more variety of visitors to city. Traders like experimental retail – new things and new formats

Cllr Looker: Halloween Ghost Walk was very good can we have more interactive and family activities

Chair asked for a contact – Andy Kerr provided a contact.

Dedicated email address is mycitycentre@york.gov.uk

West Offices, Station Rise, York, YO1 6GA

Email: mycitycentreyork@york.gov.uk

Twitter: @mccyork |  Facebook: @mycitycentreyork | Instagram:@MyCityCentreYork

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