Riverside idea has been a long time coming (From York Press)

Riverside idea has been a long time coming

11:03am Thursday 13th September 2012 in Letters By Readers' letters

I AM a history student writing a dissertation on the history of conservation and planning in York, with regards to its improvement.

As such I am interested to note current plans for a “public open space” on the banks of the River Ouse by Guildhall. Alderman John Morrell first proposed such a scheme 72 years ago in his book City of Our Dreams. So such a scheme has been desired since at least the 1930s.

Likewise the development plan of 1948 suggested such a scheme, as did Lord Esher, writing in the late 1960s.

Such a development would clearly benefit the residents of York. The Ouse is our key natural asset. While it is better managed than at comparable Durham, we make far less effective use of it than Oxford, Cambridge or even Lincoln or Worcester.

I urge the council to go ahead with whatever results from this competition. York has waited 72 years to long for something to be made of its waterfront. And having seen the site, it is clear that the cost to the capital budget will be low, and the return from rates high.

Josh Allen, Blakeney Place, York.

 

• I APPRECIATE that it is a step in the right direction to be looking at improvements to the riverside at Guildhall.

However, additional mooring points sited along the banks would also be really helpful, for example at St George’s Field. These would provide an additional feature for visitors and those in to boating.

Also having some updated boating facilities also would be welcome. We do need to invest more in the river here in York.

Keith Chapman, Custance Walk, York.