YORK Alternative History and York Civic Trust should be commended on their York: Living With History Project which has opened up discussion about how decisions are made on our local urban heritage (The Press, April 7).

The Stonebow inquiry event last Saturday enabled a cross section of people to consider possible options for this unloved building in the heart of York.

While the tower is empty, its base currently provides unique city centre space for much loved music venues, as well as other businesses.

Our discussions included whether adapting and modernising the building for art space, affordable housing or other purposes might be a better option to demolition, which would have high environmental and financial costs and result in the loss of existing uses.

The Brutalist appearance of the building might be transformed with green roofs or roof gardens, insulation and stylish alterations.

Hundterwasser buildings in Vienna were mentioned as just one example of how Brutalist architecture can be transformed. As a key entrance point to Stonebow and the new Hungate this is an exciting opportunity to run a genuine public consultation and create a worthy addition to York’s 21st century history!

Denise Craghill, Chair, York Green Party Broadway West, York.