York goes for World Heritage Status (From York Press)
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York goes for World Heritage Status
9:00am Friday 11th June 2010 in News
Front, from left, Sheriff’s Consort Coun Carol Runciman, Sheriff Coun Richard Watson, Bill Woolley, Coun Andrew Waller and Janet Hopton. Top, from left, Ian Tempest, John Oxley, Alison Sinclair, Sir Ron Cooke and David Warburton
Updated: YORK’S hidden history will hold the key to the city’s bid to become a World Heritage Site.
City of York Council is today officially submitting its application for the city to be named on a list of UK nominations for the accolade, which, if it succeeds, would massively boost its profile and economy and rank it alongside the likes of the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids.
Five potential sites are likely to be named on a UK Tentative List to be revealed next year, with one then being put forward every two years from 2012 to UNESCO, the organisation with the final say on inclusion.
Launching York’s bid at the Mansion House yesterday, Janet Hopton, who chairs the York World Heritage Steering Group, said the focus would be on the city’s “outstanding” archaeology, which has just seen the possible discovery of the world’s best-preserved gladiator cemetery.
“Archaeological discovery never ceases to amaze and surprise us in what it can tell us about our past in York,” she said.
“Gradually, over the years, more and more is being revealed of what lies beneath our city, an ever-unfolding story. In archaeological terms, we are sitting on a goldmine.”
York’s status as a centre for archaeological teaching, science and research is also being seen a major factor. City archaeologist John Oxley said: “World Heritage status would put York in the premier league of cities worldwide.
“We would be one of only 834 sites in the world, and it would place us in a different league in terms of how we promote York to the business and tourism community, with people wanting to live here, stay here longer and spend more money here.
“It would also recognise York as one of the best archaeological sites not only in the UK, but worldwide.”
John Yeomans, chairman of tourism body Visit York, said: “York will gain clear economic, social and tourism benefits from gaining World Heritage status.”
The application, submitted to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, will now be assessed by an expert panel and more information is available at york.gov.uk/worldheritage
Comments(22)
Alucard
says...
9:26pm Thu 10 Jun 10
Mr Stead
You mean the discovery of possibly the world's best gladiator cemetery. It has already been discovered, it just might (possibly) be the best preserved
pablo2009
says...
9:48pm Thu 10 Jun 10
Martha Mellow
says...
10:04pm Thu 10 Jun 10
pablo2009 wrote:Oh dear. Obviously someone who hasn't been to China.
does the great wall of China have as many grotty nightclubs and Chicken/Burger/Kebab takeaways ? Before we can focus on the city's "Outstanding" archaeology the Council need to keep the drinking,unsociable behaviour and litter etc under control
WH site would be fantastic for York and we should back it to the hilt.
Garrowby Turnoff
says...
12:18am Fri 11 Jun 10
Is there greasing of palms involved? Of course there is.
mystic_genius
says...
7:58am Fri 11 Jun 10
Martha Mellow wrote:Couldn't agree more. This would be fantastic for the city, but let's be honest. I don't think we're as internationally recognisable as the pyramids or the Great Wall of China...if we get it, this would be fantastic, but I don't think it's very likely. Still, good luck, CYC, go for it!!
pablo2009 wrote: does the great wall of China have as many grotty nightclubs and Chicken/Burger/Kebab takeaways ? Before we can focus on the city's "Outstanding" archaeology the Council need to keep the drinking,unsociable behaviour and litter etc under controlOh dear. Obviously someone who hasn't been to China. WH site would be fantastic for York and we should back it to the hilt.
Grumpy Old Man
says...
10:34am Fri 11 Jun 10
the butler wrote:What on earth are you on about? The demolition of Craven's Sweet Factory (they didn't make almonds) led to the discovery of Viking York. Hungate was the worst slum in England and the council are to be congratulated for demolishing it. Stonegate is one of the most famous streets in Britain. Perhaps next time you attempt to add a comment you might put your brain in gear first.
I would put a hold on this line of thought, Most of the history has now been paved over by zealous developers within the city walls. Years ago not a great deal of thought went into the ancient history, Cravens almond factory was a case in point , Stone gate another, Reivley's in Spen lane, another; St Saviours church yard, Hungate side. ; These places and others need to be investigated more thoroughly if the city wants such an appendage
sj61
says...
12:08pm Fri 11 Jun 10
What is this 'obsession' with obtaining WHS?
It's one thing obtaining it, but where is the money going to come from to maintain it if granted - given today's stories about cuts in budgets?
Martha Mellow
says...
12:13pm Fri 11 Jun 10
sj61 wrote:Erm....I think the idea is the status encourages more tourism, thus helping the local economy. Not sure it will cost a great deal; we don't have to build another minster or anything. ;-)
Here we go again!
What is this 'obsession' with obtaining WHS?
It's one thing obtaining it, but where is the money going to come from to maintain it if granted - given today's stories about cuts in budgets?
sj61
says...
2:05pm Fri 11 Jun 10
And you need to separate actual costs and benefits directly attributable to WHS status, excluding those which may simply be loosely related to it, ie. separate those outcomes which would have taken place anyway regardless of WHS status (more tourism) from those which would not (costs to gain status and keep it).
So - actuals:
Time taken from bid to nomination:
AVERAGE OF FIVE YEARS.
Average bidding costs of WHS nomination: £387K
Costs of producing a management plan: £99K
Management costs of WHS:
UP TO £600K PER ANNUM
Benefits:
WHS status is suggested to provide a promotional advantage and a ‘branding effect’ which encourages
additional visitors. THE EVIDENCE INDICATES THAT THIS IS LIKELY TO HAVE A MARGINAL EFFECT (c.0-3%)
You do the maths Martha Mellow!
sj61
says...
2:05pm Fri 11 Jun 10
And you need to separate actual costs and benefits directly attributable to WHS status, excluding those which may simply be loosely related to it, ie. separate those outcomes which would have taken place anyway regardless of WHS status (more tourism) from those which would not (costs to gain status and keep it).
So - actuals:
Time taken from bid to nomination:
AVERAGE OF FIVE YEARS.
Average bidding costs of WHS nomination: £387K
Costs of producing a management plan: £99K
Management costs of WHS:
UP TO £600K PER ANNUM
Benefits:
WHS status is suggested to provide a promotional advantage and a ‘branding effect’ which encourages
additional visitors. THE EVIDENCE INDICATES THAT THIS IS LIKELY TO HAVE A MARGINAL EFFECT (c.0-3%)
You do the maths Martha Mellow!
lucy smith
says...
2:07pm Fri 11 Jun 10
Shallot
says...
4:14pm Fri 11 Jun 10
Also, where did you get those figures?
bloodaxe
says...
4:40pm Fri 11 Jun 10
bloodaxe
says...
4:42pm Fri 11 Jun 10
Grumpy Old Man wrote:Couldn't agree more.
the butler wrote: I would put a hold on this line of thought, Most of the history has now been paved over by zealous developers within the city walls. Years ago not a great deal of thought went into the ancient history, Cravens almond factory was a case in point , Stone gate another, Reivley's in Spen lane, another; St Saviours church yard, Hungate side. ; These places and others need to be investigated more thoroughly if the city wants such an appendageWhat on earth are you on about? The demolition of Craven's Sweet Factory (they didn't make almonds) led to the discovery of Viking York. Hungate was the worst slum in England and the council are to be congratulated for demolishing it. Stonegate is one of the most famous streets in Britain. Perhaps next time you attempt to add a comment you might put your brain in gear first.
lucy smith
says...
4:55pm Fri 11 Jun 10
bloodaxe wrote:Bloodaxe, they don't have the laughing stock that is York Council.
Having just spent a week visiting WHS in various European locations I'm astonished that York isn't one already. If the Essen steelworks and Liverpool waterfront are WHS then York should certainly be. The Minster alone would qualify, not to mention the walls and the core streets. As for litter and graffiti, York compares extremely favourably with many places. York isn't just a museum but a living city and it combines both functions very well. Nearest parallels ? Avignon and Gent, though both are graffiti daubed.
euroinforitnow
says...
5:11pm Fri 11 Jun 10
lucy smith wrote:Is this true ? Do you really mean that you, personally, have something against the council ?
This will not happen while the current council is in charge. They are seen as an international joke throughout the world.
euroinforitnow
says...
5:22pm Fri 11 Jun 10
pablo2009 wrote:I think you're mistaking WHS for Keep Britain Tidy. WHS isn't really about beauty competitions; if this were the case then Tuscany and Provence would have the lot. Clearly there are sites which have major beauty qualities but sites are also included for their contribution to culture in a wider sense. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal are WHS for reasons which have as much to do with the development of the Georgian water-garden as for the beauty of the site. In either case, beauty or historical / architectural /archaeological significance York ought to be included. Don't talk about litter and graffiti: York does very well in dealing with these issues. As for architectural howlers, very few cities of historic significance have come through to the 21st century as living cities as opposed to museums which don't have these problems. There's far more positive than negative in York. Just ask the visitors.
does the great wall of China have as many grotty nightclubs and Chicken/Burger/Kebab takeaways ? Before we can focus on the city's "Outstanding" archaeology the Council need to keep the drinking,unsociable behaviour and litter etc under control
leninwasright
says...
5:29pm Fri 11 Jun 10
lucy smith wrote:LS, you should, as they say, get out more.
bloodaxe wrote: Having just spent a week visiting WHS in various European locations I'm astonished that York isn't one already. If the Essen steelworks and Liverpool waterfront are WHS then York should certainly be. The Minster alone would qualify, not to mention the walls and the core streets. As for litter and graffiti, York compares extremely favourably with many places. York isn't just a museum but a living city and it combines both functions very well. Nearest parallels ? Avignon and Gent, though both are graffiti daubed.Bloodaxe, they don't have the laughing stock that is York Council.
piaggio
says...
6:25pm Fri 11 Jun 10
Alucard
says...
10:24pm Fri 11 Jun 10
lucy smith wrote:Nothing like gross hyperbole to make a point
This will not happen while the current council is in charge. They are seen as an international joke throughout the world.
pedalling paul
says...
11:21pm Fri 11 Jun 10
www.york.gov.uk/worl
dheritage they will find the Steering Group to be chaired by former Lord Mayor and Councillor Janet Hopton. She is to be commended along with her team, for giving up some of her retirement time to spearhead this campaign.
WHS status would bring tangible economic benefits to York.
the butler says...
5:46pm Thu 10 Jun 10
Years ago not a great deal of thought went into the ancient history,
Cravens almond factory was a case in point , Stone gate another, Reivley's in Spen lane, another; St Saviours church yard, Hungate side. ; These places and others need to be investigated more thoroughly if the city wants such an appendage