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Cinema revamp may spark ‘York prosperity’
The Odeon cinema in Blossom Street, York
The Odeon cinema in Blossom Street, York

THE redevelopment of York's Odeon cinema could serve as a "launch pad" for a wider economic boom, according to a local councillor.

Sandy Fraser said the revival of the picture-house could help attract people to Micklegate, bringing increased vibrancy to the area.

Speaking at a council meeting yesterday, Coun Fraser called for a range of actions to help improve the lot of York's "peripheral" streets, namely Micklegate, Goodramgate and Fossgate.

He said: "We do think the council could be more proactive in encouraging dialogue with traders. Perhaps we could use the council's good offices to promote that more than we have done."

Coun Fraser said it was important to develop a coherent economic strategy for the streets, and to extend footfall. He said the redevelopment of the Odeon could have a wider benefit, and said people using Park&Ride from the west of the city could be encouraged to get off in Blossom Street and walk down Micklegate, or to nearby attractions.

As reported in The Press, a stained glass centre was to be opened in St Martin-cum-Gregory Church, which Coun Fraser said could help to attract more visitors to the area.

Roger Ranson, the council's assistant director for economic development, said: "We should not lose sight of the quite considerable amount of initiatives already shown."

He said several areas for further work had been identified.

Coun Christian Vassie suggested that art graduates from York's two universities could be offered the chance to display their work in Micklegate, Goodramgate or Fossgate, to help add to their appeal.

Coun Sue Galloway said the onus often had to be on local councillors to take action to improve their area, and suggested to Coun Fraser that he install some flower tubs in Micklegate, to make it more attractive.

Council leader Steve Galloway said York could not inure itself against the national economic climate, but said the city was performing far better than many others.

He said that, compared with ten to 15 years ago, York now had far fewer empty shops, and those that were unoccupied were not empty for as long as they once would have been.

Meanwhile, councillors took only three minutes yesterday to set York's council tax for 2008-9. The rate could not be set last week, as police and fire authorities had still to formally complete their budget processes. But councillors met yesterday afternoon to formally vote through the increase.

The council's tax demand is rising by 4.75 per cent. When the police and fire precepts are taken into account, the total rise is 4.67 per cent.

11:57am Wednesday 27th February 2008

Print   Email this   Comment
Posted by: Peter, york on 12:47pm Wed 27 Feb 08
I thought the Press said the Cinema, was going to be open last August, but nothing is happening yet.
Posted by: David, York on 12:50pm Wed 27 Feb 08
Only a City of York couuncillor could pitch a cinema opening as a revamp to spark wider prosperity. Whatever next to get into the papers!
Posted by: Lou, York on 1:30pm Wed 27 Feb 08
Coun Sue Galloway ......suggested to Coun Fraser that he install some flower tubs in Micklegate, to make it more attractive.

Please - this has to be a joke
Posted by: Porteno, York on 1:35pm Wed 27 Feb 08
Coun Sue Galloway said the onus often had to be on local councillors to take action to improve their area, and suggested to Coun Fraser that he install some flower tubs in Micklegate, to make it more attractive.


That's Coun Fraser's 11% rise spoken for, then!

Posted by: brummie-ian, south bank on 2:40pm Wed 27 Feb 08
How about 3 screens maximum and a well run bar & eatery - perhaps a York Brewery outlet (or similar).
Posted by: exYorkist, USA on 3:06pm Wed 27 Feb 08
So so pitiful. Do you know what sparks prosperity? Well-paid JOBS , something York sorely needs. I'll even put it in boldface like the Press does so the word will attract attention. Jobs. Jobs. Jobs. Jobs. Jobs.
Posted by: Bemused on 3:55pm Wed 27 Feb 08
THE redevelopment of York's Odeon cinema could serve as a "launch pad" for a wider economic boom, according to a local councillor.

Rubbish.
Posted by: brummie-ian, south bank on 4:02pm Wed 27 Feb 08
I liked an earlier suggestion to have live music there - maybe it could double up a cinema and a concert hall (on different nights).
Posted by: bobby_spray, york on 4:21pm Wed 27 Feb 08
Speaking at a council meeting yesterday, Coun Fraser called for a range of actions to help improve the lot of York's "peripheral" streets, namely Micklegate, Goodramgate and Fossgate.


I stopped listenening to wee sandy long ago. he's plenty to say for himself in council meeting but you try approaching him in the Bay horse and he'll be a friendly as a scrap dealers dog.
Posted by: petethefeet, york on 11:46pm Thu 28 Feb 08
If they re-open the cinema I hope they do something with those seats. I mean, one steadily slumps down until one's chin rests on the chest. Then yer knees are locked in position either side of the bowed backrest of the chair in front and at an acute angle. I've always had problems with those seats, but when we went to see the 3-hour-plus epic that was 'return of the king' rigor-mortis had set in my knees. I could barely climb the stairs to the exits.
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