Bootham Park plans a 'missed opportunity', says MP

Ms Maskell said members of the public should have access to the parkland in front of the historic building at all times.

But with large areas set aside as sports pitches for Bootham School and other schools during term-time, that may often not be possible, she warned.

She also fears that the retirement homes on the site will be 'exclusive' and unaffordable by most ordinary York people. "It is crucial that we build good facilities to care for everybody in later life," the Labour MP said.

Other reaction to the proposals has been more positive, however.

York Civic Trust said: "Despite a sadness for the closing of an important chapter in York's rich history of ground-breaking mental health care, it is greatly encouraging that so much of the green open space of the Bootham Park site is being proposed to remain accessible to the people of York."

Retired consultant psychiatrist Dr Bob Adams, who worked at Bootham Park for many years and is writing a book on the hospital's history, said it was a shame that the Victorian 'pauper wings' to the left of the main hospital building were to be demolished. But he added: "On the whole it is very positive. I'm pleased that a developer has been found who is prepared to take on the hospital and develop it in a seemingly sympathetic way."

Developers Enterprise Retirement Living (ERL) unveiled their plans for the historic former psychiatric hospital last week.

They plan to turn it into 170 luxury retirement homes with a shared exercise centre, cinema, games room and fruit and vegetable garden.

The Victorian 'pauper' wings of the former hospital (though not the grade 1 listed main hospital building) would be demolished, and replaced by two new wings of apartments. There would be a third new wing wrapping around the chapel.

Under the plans there would be an 'exercise route' looping around the edge of the parkland, plus an improved footpath and cycle route linking through from Scarborough Bridge to York Hospital. There could also be an occasional a pop up outdoor cinema in front of the hospital.

ERL stresses that under its proposals, the parkland in front of the hospital will be accessible to the public. It will be used by schoolchildren and sports clubs during term time, but a spokesperson for ERL insisted that members of the public would still have access, though he could not say how safeguarding would be maintained. 'Suitable legal arrangements and safeguards will ensure access for the people of York,' the company's website says.

The cost of retirement homes on the complex has not yet been determined, but would 'reflect local market values', the spokesperson said. Prices listed on the ERL website for retirement properties elsewhere range from £200,000 to £600,000.

The ERL proposals have received a warmer welcome elsewhere. York Civic Trust said: "Despite a sadness for the closing of an important chapter in York's rich history of ground-breaking mental health care, it is greatly encouraging that so much of the green open space of the Bootham Park site is being proposed to remain accessible to the people of York."

Retired consultant psychiatrist Dr Bob Adams, who worked at Bootham Park for many years and is writing a book on the hospital's history, said it was a shame that the Victorian 'pauper wings' to the left of the main hospital building were to be demolished.

But he added: "On the whole it is very positive. I'm pleased that a developer has been found who is prepared to take on the hospital and develop it in a seemingly sympathetic way."

Bootham Park Hospital, designed by the architect John Carr, was opened as a county psychiatric hospital for York in 1777.

In 1859, the hospital's extensive grounds began to be regularly used for major public events such as the Grand Yorkshire Gala and the 1866 Yorkshire Fine Art & Industrial Exhibition. Much of the site is listed, including areas inside the buildings.

View the plans and have your say at boothampark.co.uk