Decision details

Purpose of Report: to update on the progress of the Castle Gateway project and review the impact of Covid-19 on the business case and delivery strategy.

The Executive will be asked to consider the impact of Covid-19 on the project and agree any necessary changes to the business case and delivery strategy.

Resolved:  (i)      That the outcome of the pre-decision scrutiny,  recommending Option 5 in the report, be noted.

Reason:     To take account of the view of the Customer and Corporate Services Scrutiny Management Committee in deciding how to proceed.

                   (ii)      That approval be given to recommence the paused procurement of a construction contractor to undertake the design and subsequent construction of the proposed apartments, pedestrian / cycle bridge and riverside park at Castle Mills, and that authority be delegated to the Director of Economy and Place (in consultation with the Director of Governance) to take such steps as are necessary to award and enter into the resulting contract.

Reason:     To deliver the key public benefits of the first phase of Castle Gateway and allow the council to realise the commercial return to help deliver the wider masterplan.

                   (iii)     That the design and submission of planning applications for a high quality public realm scheme on Castle Car Park and the Eye of York be approved.

Reason:     To ensure that the council has shovel-ready public realm proposals of sufficient magnitude to attract potential external funding for the project.

                   (iv)    That it be noted that the decision to procure a construction partner for St George’s Field multi-storey car park will be taken in summer 2021.

Reason:     To ensure that the proposal remains the best replacement parking solution once the impact of Covid-19 has become clearer.

                   (v)     That it be noted that a decision on the future of 17-21 Piccadilly will be brought back to Executive in summer 2021.

Reason:     To allow a decision on whether to develop the site in line with the masterplan or dispose of it on the open market to be made once the impact of Covid-19 on the land market is more certain.

                   (vi)    That the expenditure of £1.5m from previously committed Castle Gateway budgets to deliver the recommendations set out in the report be noted.

Reason:     To support the delivery of the Castle Gateway scheme.