Issue - meetings

The Corporate Director of Place to present a report which seeks approval for an aspirational 10 year vision for York city centre, developed through extensive public engagement and stakeholder involvement.

Resolved:  (i)      That the My City Centre Strategic Vision set out in Annex 1 to the report be approved, and adopted as a guide to investment in the centre, to inform policy decision and as a material consideration in planning (where relevant).

Reason:     To establish a long term social, environmental and economic strategic vision for a sustainable future for York city centre, and ensure that decisions are made in accordance with this vision.

                   (ii)      That officers be instructed to prepare a delivery strategy for the vision, by working with partners including the project Stakeholder Group, which will be brought to a future Executive meeting.

Reason:     To establish a means for delivering the vision, establish roles and responsibilities with partners, and prioritise the actions contained within the vision

The Director of Housing, Regeneration & Economy and the Head of Regeneration & Economy presented a report which sought approval for My City Centre Vision (the Vision), an aspirational 10 year strategic vision for York city centre, developed through extensive public engagement and stakeholder involvement.

The My City Centre project had been commissioned by Executive in August 2019.  The draft Vision, attached as Annex 1 to the report, responded to the challenges and opportunities presented by the changing nature of the high street and the impacts of the Covid pandemic.  It aimed to put local residents and families at the heart of the city centre, ensuring vibrant community use to support businesses and drive social and cultural activity.  Details of public and stakeholder engagement were set out in the report and in Annexes 2-4.  Feedback from the latest round of engagement indicated strong approval for the draft Vision, with 82% of respondents agreeing with the vision statement.

Members welcomed the report and the Vision; in particular, its focus on creating a family-friendly city centre that was also attractive to visitors, supporting employment opportunities, and putting York in the best place to secure funding.  Having noted the comments made on this item under Public Participation and the advice of Scrutiny and officers’ responses published in the agenda supplements, it was

Resolved:  (i)      That the My City Centre Strategic Vision set out in Annex 1 to the report be approved, and adopted as a guide to investment in the centre, to inform policy decision and as a material consideration in planning (where relevant).

Reason:     To establish a long term social, environmental and economic strategic vision for a sustainable future for York city centre, and ensure that decisions are made in accordance with this vision.

                   (ii)      That officers be instructed to prepare a delivery strategy for the vision, by working with partners including the project Stakeholder Group, which will be brought to a future Executive meeting.

Reason:     To establish a means for delivering the vision, establish roles and responsibilities with partners, and prioritise the actions contained within the vision