A MASSIVE redevelopment could be on the cards for the southern end of York city centre, after new proposals were drawn up by city leaders.

The streets around Piccadilly, Coppergate, Clifford's Tower and the Eye of York are in line for a major overhaul under plans set out by senior development staff at City of York Council.

A series of proposals will be put to councillors next week, when officials hope to get the go-ahead to pursue the ideas.

The report to the council executive says:

  • An underground car park could be created beneath the current Castle car park
  • A new footbridge could be built over the Foss
  • English Heritage are working on a new visitor attraction for Clifford's Tower
  • Primark's new Coppergate store will open in the spring.
  • A private sector partner is sought to help the council mastermind the redevelopment of the Reynard's garage site in Piccadilly

>>> See the council report here

Council leader Chris Steward said: "These proposals could provide the catalyst to help realise this areas full potential and see development kick-start in what has been an often underused and in parts semi derelict part of York.

"The area contains a substantial amount of public estate including three museums, three court buildings and many listed structures and a historic monument of international significance. It’s therefore vital that as a principal land holder, City of York Council has a major role to play to ensure that this new vision is a success."

York Press: Reynard’s Garage in Piccadilly, York

A private sector partner is sought, to help lead the redevelopment of the Reynard's Garage site

Development experts at the authority are asking councillors for £185,000 to start work on a business case and feasibility studies for the project. They have also secured a £70,000 Government grant to fund a project manager who will oversee the whole scheme.

The "Southern Gateway", as the area is termed by the council, is marred with empty, unattractive and derelict buildings while shops in the Coppergate Centre struggle to generate footfall, council documents say, while officials say Clifford's Tower is blighted by the unattractive Castle car park beside it.

A wide-ranging and ambitious redevelopment would aim to change this, but councillors are advised not to try to run the entire development themselves, but instead instruct officials to work in partnership with private sector developers.

The council owns a large chunk of land around the Southern Gateway, and taking a hands-off approach would risk letting poor quality developments crowd into the streets, instead of creating the improvements they want, says the report by Tracey Carter, the council's assistant director for property.

At the other extreme, officers have also warned against a time consuming and expensive bid to control all the area themselves - an approach that has failed in the past.

York Press:

The council says a major creditor linked to the Coppergate Centre is looking to sell assets

A previous controversial masterplan for the area around Clifford's Tower, Coppergate II, was rejected by the Government in 2003, after a public inquiry.

LaSalle UK bought the land and liaised with the council, but those plans came to nothing. LaSalle UK Ventures Property then went into administration in 2014.

Ms Carter said: "The major creditor sold on their debt and we understand that the current creditor is preparing to sell packages of assets, including a package incorporating assets in the Piccadilly and Coppergate area. This raises the possibility that a holistic area regeneration may once again be possible."

York Press: Clifford’s Tower

A new visitor attraction is reportedly being considered for Clifford's Tower

Ms Carter said there are early indications that a basement car park under Castle car park would be possible - and could help improve surroundings for the historic Clifford's Tower.

A new Foss footbridge would make the area more attractive, and accessible for pedestrians and cyclists, the report says.

As part of the plans the council has already decided to pull down Reynards garage - the city's on trolleybus depot which now lies empty and derelict on Piccadilly. Demolition is due to start "soon", the paper adds, but the plans to redevelop the site are still not certain.

Instead, councillors are being counselled to look for a joint venture partner from the private sector to make sure the site brings in money for the council and becomes a viable and attractive scheme which would be better for the regeneration of the area than the hotel proposals which have already been rejected.