A WORK of art to honour the contribution of the Rowntree family to York could be built on the site of the city's Parliament Street fountain.

The site is just one of the locations being considered by the Rowntree Society, which is hoping to commission an artist to create a tribute to the philanthropist and social reformer Joseph Rowntree.

City of York councillors are once again considering plans to demolish the city centre fountain and meeting point and have confirmed that the artwork is one of the proposals they will be discussing for the site.

Bridget Morris, executive director of The Rowntree Society, said she is seeking residents' views on the plan.

She said: "Over the past years many of our correspondents as well as social media groups have often suggested that there should be some sort of commemorative artwork to honour the Rowntree name and the huge contribution of the Rowntree family to York over the past two centuries.

"We're at the starting point, we are envisioning something quite large. We want something that will be seen as a meeting point like the fountain. We certainly want an artist who has an understanding of the whole Rowntree ethos. We are imagining something quite modern, we don't want just a statue."

She added that if the plans went ahead, the group would need to fundraise for the artwork and would hope to see the monument unveiled before the centenary of Joseph Rowntree's death in 2025.

Andrew Lowson from The York BID said it is too early to comment on the proposals but added: "We do not think a destination city with the stature of York should have a non-working fountain.

"We understand city councillors are debating forward options and we hope to be involved in shaping them. We know local people see it as a meeting place, so this should be taken into consideration with any outcome."

James Gilchrist, assistant director of transport, highways and environment at the council, said: “We are aware of the interest from the Rowntree Society and the forthcoming executive member decision session report will consider all options for the future of the Parliament Street fountain.”

The report is due to be discussed on April 12.