Agenda and draft minutes

An update on York Central development and Wilton Rise bridge project.

1.    MAIN MEETING – WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS (18:00)

The meeting was chaired by Councillor Taylor who welcomed everyone and set out the housekeeping rules and reminded residents that the meeting was non-political.

2.    Wilton Rise bridge

Councillor Taylor invited Matthew Lewis, Senior Development Manager, Network Rail to outline the project.

·       As part of York Central Development, the existing footbridge is proposed to be renewed, providing a pedestrian and cycle link with the wider scheme.

·       Creation of a new bridge is one of the conditions set by City of York Council as part of the outline planning permission granted in 2019.

·       The existing footbridge links Wilton Rise with Cinder Lane. There is a Public Right of Way footpath across the footbridge which currently provides stepped access only.

·       The aim of this project, as part of the York Central Development, is to improve access from the south and west of the city to York Railway Station and the city centre whilst creating an accessible route.

·       Photographs of the existing bridge and new access options have been shown on the slideshow.

·       Option number 3 on the slideshow – a route from Upper St Paul’s Terrace was selected due to sufficient height above the railway line.

·       The existing bridge will be removed once the new bridge is operational. As the work on new bridge progresses there may be a need to close access, however that would only be for a short period of time.

·       The new bridge will have a ramp at both ends allowing cyclists and pedestrians movement.

·       A set of steps will come off the bridge onto the York Central Development at the point between two new buildings and leading towards the new park.

·       A timeline for the project will be as follows:

o   Submission of planning application to the City of York Council - October 2025;

o   Work on detailed design plan – January 2026;

o   Commencement of construction – January 2027;

o   Construction completion – October 2027.

At this point Cllr Taylor invited questions in respect of the project.

Q – Can the existing bridge be retained and linked up with the new structure?

A – The existing bridge cannot be retained. This is due to the height difference between the new and the existing structure and it would restrict development on the adjacent plot.

Q – Will there be any temporary structures and other building site paraphernalia erected within the community garden? It will be important to put up appropriate signage informing commuters approaching Upper St Paul’s Terrace not to venture towards the community garden but turn left onto the street.

A -  The main builders compound will be located within the existing building on the other side of the railway line. If anything, there may be a small cabin placed on the grass space by the brick wall and away from the community garden.

We are happy to work together with the community on signage arrangements, so that commuters are directed in the right way.

Q – What  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.