A NEW public-private partnership may be created to lead York city centre into an era of even greater prosperity and improved facilities.

A report warned today that, while York is the second most popular tourist destination in the UK, it compares poorly in retail terms with other historic towns and must avoid complacency. The report concluded that, while some aspects of the current city centre management are "fair to good", there are also significant problems:

- There is no overall strategic plan for the centre

- Newgate Market is declining, with no capital resource available for investment

- The number, location and cleanliness of public toilets is inadequate

- Management is constrained by council financial pressures

It suggested the best option for the future was to create a public/private partnership, arguing that this could attract renewed financial investment into the centre, more effectively promote events and raise York's performance in line with the best in the UK.

It was important that the partnership would involve the "community" as well as the private sector and council. And it should be publicly accountable, acting as both "guardian and leader."

The interim report resulted from a Best Value Review of City Centre Management commissioned by City of York Council.

The proposals will go to the authority's executive this Friday with Andy Hudson, acting assistant director (environmental regulation), recommending approval and calling for a final report to outline in detail how the public/private partnership would work.

One of the suggestions which emerged in the report was for the creation of a "welcome centre," which would provide a shop, caf and public toilets in the heart of the centre, as well as information for both visitors and residents

Other suggestions included the encouragement of visitors to use private toilet facilities, the development of a business plan for the future of Newgate Market and specialist markets, and the improvement of staff morale through regular surveys and customer care training.

Updated: 11:13 Monday, May 27, 2002