Major retailers in York have been ‘unnerved’ by the decision of the deputy council leader to withdraw support for a new car park in York.
Andrew Lowson, executive director of the York BID (Business Improvement District), says that the business community must have their say before a final decision is made on the new St George’s Field multi-storey car park.
The car park already has planning permission.
But this week Cllr Andy D’Agorne withdrew his support for the project. As well as being deputy leader of City of York Council, he also holds the transport portfolio and is leader of the Green group.
At £14m, the five-storey, 372-space car park does not provide enough extra bays to be considered value for money, Cllr D’Agorne says.
Critically, though, the car park is designed to fill the gap created when the Castle car park closes to make way for the Castle Gateway scheme, featuring walkways, performance spaces and a riverside park.
The BID’s Andrew Lowson said:
When the scheme was first presented to the BID board four years ago, it was understood that by closing Castle car park, enhanced parking provision would be provided by a new multi-storey car park on the current St George’s Field site.
The recent statement from the council’s deputy leader signals a change of plan and this has unnerved some major retailers in the city. We will continue to speak to businesses and discuss this change in messaging at the BID’s March board meeting.
The BID board represents different business sectors sectors from across the city centre. It supported the Castle Gateway project on two conditions: that it receives widespread public backing, and that new parking facilities, important to city businesses, will be constructed.
In light of Cllr D’Agorne’s comments, the BID will canvass its members to get their views on the changing circumstances.
‘Fact checking’ statements
One of the roles of the York BID is to provide a collective business voice for the city to ensure their views are heard.
The BID’s previous conversations with business owners indicate that many support the aim to reduce car travel – but the unavoidable fact is that customers rely on the city centre car parks, just like out-of-town retail parks.
City retailers have pointed out that it’s not always practical for residents travelling from outlying villages or hotel guests travelling by car to use public transport.
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Andrew added: “In addition to talking to businesses we are keen to ensure we make recommendations and decisions based on evidence.
“We have some extremely powerful data which shows the movement of people into and out of the city and the distances travelled.
“We can use this information to fact check some of the statements being made about parking requirements in the city, and we will continue to lobby for the best outcome for our businesses.”
The council executive will decide whether to go ahead with the new multi-storey car park in the summer.