What would you change to improve York city centre?

How often do you visit York city centre and what would you change?

These are among the questions City of York Council is asking residents and businesses as part of the My City Centre survey.

The project has been relaunched – with people invited to have their say on what they think should change in York as a result of the pandemic. The results will help to guide city leaders’ priorities for investment and development projects.

The team want to hear people’s views on issues including how to improve York’s historic landmarks, what they think about pavement cafes and events like festivals and the races, and whether they feel welcome and safe in the city centre.

Online workshops and question and answer sessions are also being organised. There are plans for in-person events in future.

Cllr Andrew Waller said: “The impact of Covid has been to speed up challenges that were already happening on the high street.

“The re-started My City Centre conversation will inform a new city centre vision, for a uniquely York response revitalising parts of the centre that need attention.

“The vision will enable the centre to respond to the needs for future economic, environmental and heritage needs, supporting the whole city.

“I would like to encourage people to complete the York city centre survey.”

Cllr Andy D’Agorne said: “The pandemic has changed the city centre. This includes the way we travel in and around the centre of York, how we shop and socialise, alongside the ways we use the spaces York has to offer.

“A thriving city centre needs to balance the needs of a very wide range of different groups and interests.

“The public engagement exercises will offer the opportunity for the council to listen and learn from the different groups impacted by changes. This includes groups such as disabled residents, businesses, delivery drivers, taxi drivers and cyclists.

“It is important that the city centre provides fair and effective access to all in York.”