New plans have been drawn up for the Castle Car Park and Eye of York, including a new green park, a children’s play area, and expanded accessible and electric vehicle parking.
As YorkMix reported, the original, more ambitious Castle Gateway scheme was curtailed when it failed to win any cash from a government levelling up fund.
Now amendments to the existing planning application for the area have been submitted, and City of York Council has released a fly-through video illustrating how the space could look if proposals are approved.
Video
The scaled-down changes should make the scheme more affordable, the council says. These include:
- Creation of a new green park
- Introducing a dedicated children’s play area
- Replacement of the paved event space with 30 Blue Badge parking spaces, two of which will have electric vehicle charging points.
The revisions follow public engagement on the updated concept designs, which took place during Summer 2024.
A report will be brought to the council’s executive later on this year, seeking approval to:
- Close Castle Car Park
- Produce a contractor to deliver the scheme
- Set the projects delivery budget and timeline
- Provide updates on other Castle Gateway Initiatives.
A plan to build a multi-storey car park on St George’s Field to ameliorate the Castle Car Park closure was scrapped in 2023.
Councillor Katie Lomas, who leads on finance and major projects at the council, said: “These plans seek to create a versatile public space where people of all ages want to spend time, making it greener and more accessible, as well as more affordable and deliverable, when compared to previous plans.
“We are sensitive to the area and its history and that is reflected in the plans which honour some of the more difficult aspects of our past.
“We also want this to be a space for all and as well as a number of accessible features, these plans include retaining 30 blue badge parking spaces, following public feedback.”
Deputy leader of the council Pete Kilbane said: “We are working to transform this area from a car park to a people park. These plans have been shaped by comments from local people, disabled groups, businesses and other stakeholders.
“Our proposals include new play areas for families – something people have been asking for more of in the city centre, and green open space for people to relax and take some time out.
“Our aspiration is for this historic site to be a free, welcoming place for residents and visitors to enjoy, away from the bustle of the city.”
Design consultancy BDP says it has reflected priorities including accessibility, heritage and maintenance in the updated design.
You can read and comment on the plans here.