DRAMATIC ideas to transform open spaces and historic building around York Minster have been revealed today.

They include a series of suggestions for Dean's Park such as the creation of a formal garden, children's play and learning area, cafe and toilets, exhibition gallery and events space, and also the creation of direct access into the park from the Bar Walls.

Ideas put forward for a new masterplan for the Minster precinct also includes improving Duncombe Place and College Green with 'an emphasis on creating space for people not cars.'

A consultation document says: "Security measures (such as the anti-vehicle blocks outside the west front) are sadly necessary to protect the Minster's visitors and heritage, and would be integrated with the design.

Director of works Alex McCallion said Duncombe Place could not be fully pedestrianised because access was required to some buildings but traffic could be controlled and more space created for pedestrians, and the security blocks could be moved back and away from the front of the cathedral.

Ideas also include:

*Creating a new welcome centre and ticket office outside the cathedral, taking queues away from the west front.

*Relocating St William's Tomb inside the Minster to a more prominent location for pilgrimage.

*A new public exit from the Minster on the north side by re-using an old door, giving direct access into Dean's Park.

*Using St William's College to house offices for Minster staff and Minster Police, a conference and events space, and a restaurant 'spilling out onto College Green'

*Moving Minster offices out of Church House, which could become a valuable residential development - generating income to support cathedral restoration work.

A masterplan consultation document says Minster School's site is cut in half by Deangate which is no longer used by traffic but a popular cycle route. "We are exploring opportunities to reorganise access and re-define the school's boundary together with the Stoneyard to create a more cohesive site."

Mr McCallion said this could involve a slight re-routing of Deangate.

Minster officials have stressed that they want to know what visitors, residents, worshippers and businesses want, and a public consultation exhibition has opened today in a marquee in Dean's Park with information boards explaining the ideas put forward in the masterplan.

The exhibition is open today until 7pm and again tomorrow from11am until 7pm, with members of the Precinct Masterplan team on hand to answer questions and queries. The boards will also be available to view in the Minster’s South Transept on Sunday.

People can also give their feedback by going to masterplanning.yorkminster.org by June 30.