02/08/2011

Issued by the City of York Council

City of York Council is working on a series of new options regarding the future of Union Terrace Car Park including proposals, which retain all coach parking on site.

The options are being worked up in response to listening to concerns raised by the local business community and residents. The different options will be discussed by the Cabinet at a meeting later this week (Thursday 4 August). The cabinet will recommend a full public consultation on the new proposals.

Councillor James Alexander said: "We recognise that many people have concerns about the proposal to sell Union Terrace Car and Coach Park and we have listened. This is why we are planning to hold a full consultation on a range of new options including proposals, which retain all coach parking on site. The plans developed before the local elections are now abandoned.

"York St John has been cooperative during this process, and are as keen as we are to listen to people's concerns."

Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Councillor. Julie Gunnell said: "Having met with local traders, and heard the views of local residents, it's right that we amend the proposal to cabinet whilst supporting the future of York St John University.

"We have listened and we have acted. We will no longer consider the sale of the whole of the Union Terrace site, but will consider a number of compromise options.

"Officers are working through the detail of the options to assess the implications of each one. However, it's important to stress that no decision will be taken regarding the sale of the site until we have considered the results of the consultation.

"Following the Cabinet meeting next week, people will be able to have their say and let us know which of the various options they support."

Key principles behind the consultation are:
• No loss of coach parking spaces across the city.
• Some if not all of the coach parking will remain on the Union Terrace site.
• No loss of accessible parking.
• Call for York St John University to have a retail forum to engage with local businesses and support their development.
• Call for York St John University to use local construction workers.

(ENDS)