A radical plan to revamp York station could railroad a cycle shop out of existence.
Cycle Heaven has a branch in the former parcel office at the station, but a new vision for the area shows the building disappearing to make way for a new taxi rank.
Owner Andy Shrimpton said he has previously been assured of plans to rehome his shop, but has heard little from the project managers in recent months.
“We don’t exist under those plans,” he said.
They have invested heavily making the old building into a “beautiful space”, and while he is broadly supportive of ambitions the area and feels the authority values his business’s contribution, he has heard little about future plans.
Welcome all involvement
Council officials said they spoke to Cycle Heaven ahead of the the proposals going public, and would welcome all involvement in a consultation – which runs until July 9 – about the scheme.
James Gilchrist, assistant director of transport, highways and environment, added: “We recognise this impacts on some stakeholders more than others and we engaged with them in advance.
“Cycle Heaven’s contribution to the consultation is valued and will be factored into the outcome.”
Stronger cycle links
At the same time, Mr Shrimpton and cycle campaigners say the station improvements need to be backed up by strong cycle links to Millennium Bridge, the revamped Scarborough Bridge and beyond.
A York Cycle Campaign spokesman said: “We are heartened to see thought given to encouraging cycling in the York station area. The devil is in the detail however.”
Cyclists need safe and convenient links through the pedestrianised Tea Room Square, for example, and both the campaign group and Mr Shrimpton stressed the need for good, segregated cycle lanes.
“You can spend millions exhorting people to cycle, but without segregated cycle lanes, forget it,” Mr Shrimpton added.