MASSIVE changes could be on the way for York, in an attempt to revolutionise the city's stale nightlife and evening economy.

Opening and floodlighting the bar walls after dark; creating a dedicated city-centre zone for daily evening entertainment; and abolishing the council's curfew on pavement bars and cafés are among the proposals, which could bring an extra £75 million to the York area over five years.

Economic bosses are keen to follow the lead of historic cities on the continent, which remain bustling well after dusk. They say shops and visitor attractions should open later, and could provide free parking one night a week as a trade off.

Park&Ride services could also run later into the evening, and there is talk of a "major, large-scale event" to showcase York as an overnight destination.

City of York Council's ruling executive will next week consider a proposed action plan, including a raft of proposals.

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of York Tourism Bureau said: "We're very keen to see York develop an evening culture such as you might find in Paris, with pavement cafés opening later, street entertainment and evening shopping and entertainment.

"The current annual income from tourism is now over £300 million per annum and we're aiming to increase this by at least five per cent year on year.

"If more visitors can be encouraged to stay longer, this could mean an additional £75 million income from tourism in York over the next five years."

The report to councillors says the city risks damaging a major revenue stream if it does not properly develop the night-time economy, and says there is a need to revive the "tumbleweed" hours of 5pm to 7pm.

Council leader Steve Galloway said: "I back the idea of encouraging more shops, outdoor restaurants and visitor attractions to open during this period. This can be supported by more street entertainment, and an extension of the feature lighting project which got under way a couple of years ago."

He said he was exploring how better use could be made of increased space made available in Parliament Street when the public toilets are relocated, and said the proposed piazza in Deangate would provide another good quality public square.

Labour leader David Scott said: "I want York to build upon the economy's success and to ensure that the city centre is an inclusive place for everyone."

Conservative leader Ian Gillies said a "sea change" in lifestyle was needed to support the changes.

Len Cruddas, chief executive of York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce said: "We would strongly support and welcome any moves to improve the evening economy in York. It's something that's missing from our mix at the moment.

"The range of activities they are proposing all make good sense."

The proposed action plan is in a report by Roger Ranson, the council's assistant director of economic development and partnerships.

It is based on wide-ranging research by various organisations and with various focus groups, brought together by York Tourism Partnership.


How the idea might work

Ideas in the proposed action plan include:* Develop a well-lit, seated "outdoor events space", where street entertainment could take place every night* Allow the bar walls to be open at night* Remove the controversial café curfew, and promote outdoor seating* Develop one large-scale event, to showcase York as an overnight destination* Extend pedestrian hours* Extend opening times of attractions* Provide more music concerts, and develop more performance venues* Extend opening times at Park&Ride sites to at least 10pm* Establish an evening economy forum to improve communication* Improve non-alcohol related entertainment* Develop a riverside jogging/walking/cycling route* Improve the listings website* Allow free parking one night a week, in return for a commitment from retailers to open late that night* Provide city-centre information points, on evening activities and attractions* An "evening economy ambassador" in every hotel