Agenda item

This report updates Members on the progress being made by Make it York (MIY).

Members considered a report that provided an update on the progress being made by Make it York (MIY).  The Managing Director of Make it York was in attendance and detailed the work that had taken place, as outlined in the written report.

At the request of Members, an update was given on the following:

·        The impact on trade in Coppergate during the closure of the Jorvik Viking Centre. 

·        The funding that was being sought for Mediale, including an application to the Arts Council, and the partnership arrangements that were in place.

·        The use of the “York Means Business” as a tag line.  Members suggested that there was a need to ensure that the website links to this website were still working effectively.

·        The arrangements that would be in place for the farmers’ market next year.

·        The forthcoming Venturefest.

Discussion took place regarding the factors that impacted on York’s ability to attract high value jobs to the city.  It was noted that cities such as Leeds already had Grade A office accommodation in place but, until developments such as York Central were progressed, there were limitations as to what York could offer in this respect.  Officers were asked if action could be taken to address the issue of the conversion of some office accommodation in the city to hotels and whether the council could be more proactive in this regard. Officers stated that, in terms of job creation, hotel accommodation could be preferable to the conversion of office space to apartments.  Market forces usually dictated the use of the buildings but, if the council were to be more proactive, consideration would have to be given to the commercial risks involved. Members asked about the evidence of demand for Grade A office accommodation.  Officers stated that a paper had been prepared which had been based on information including inward investment enquiries and on the businesses in the city which were looking to expand. A number of independent reports had also been written and there would be a report focussed on York Central.  Although it was sometimes more difficult to demonstrate demand when there was a lack of supply, there was a lot of confidence in the market.  Work was ongoing to support four existing businesses in the city who were looking to expand but were finding it difficult to do so. 

Officers were asked about the number of festivals that were held in the city and whether it would be better to concentrate the funding on fewer festivals.  They stated that the feedback from festivals had become more positive and that efforts were being made to ensure that activities were taking place around the city and not solely in the city centre.  Members suggested that consideration could be given to extending festivals such as Illuminating York as a way of contributing to the night-time economy, particularly as partnerships had been developed with lighting companies.

The Managing Director of Make it York was thanked for his report and his attendance at the meeting.

Resolved:  That the report be noted.

Reason:     To ensure that Members are aware of the progress of Make it York.