York Central Wilton Rise footbridge set for council decision

Network Rail’s plans would see a new, accessible 4m-wide footbridge spanning across railway tracks between Holgate and the York Central development installed.

The body which manages the country’s railways said the new Wilton Rise footbridge would open up the new £2 billion redevelopment of the area behind York Station to everyone.

But concerns have been raised over the safety of disabled people using the bridge, potential antisocial behaviour and changing the character of the area.

It comes as the application is set to go before City of York Council’s planning committee on Thursday, July 9.

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Council planning officers have recommended approving the application.

Network Rail’s plans would see the bridge link Upper St Paul’s Terrace on the Holgate side of the railway line with Cinder Lane in York Central.

The existing Victorian Wilton Rise footbridge is set to be demolished.

It is inaccessible for people with mobility issues, wheelchair users and parents with children in prams.

The new bridge is set to be built in phases to maintain access between Holgate and York Central.

Step-free ramps, flat intervals and benches providing rest stops for users are included as part of the plans.

A raised white line would create ‘soft segregation’ between pedestrians and cyclists.

The existing Wilton Rise footbridge (Image: Haydn Lewis)

Network Rail is working with York Central lead developers Arlington Real Estate and McLaren Regeneration on the plans.

Improvements to routes connecting the bridge to Holgate Road are set to be done by the developers but they do not form plans for the bridge.

Wilton Rise, the road link to the existing footbridge on the Holgate side, is unadopted meaning the council is not responsible for maintaining it.

It is one of the city’s worst roads for pot holes.

Speaking after plans were lodged in November, Network Rail Business Director Stephen Hind said the new bridge was symbolic of York Central’s commitment to inclusivity.

McLaren Regeneration Managing Director Tom Gilman said the installation of the bridge would mark a crucial milestone in the creation of a new world-class city quarter at York Central.

Mr Gilman said: “Wilton Rise footbridge forms a crucial part of York Central’s infrastructure and it’s great to see Network Rail bringing this new and much-improved pedestrian and cycle route forward.”

But 14 objections have been lodged raising issues over the bridge’s design, its impact on residential areas and increases in foot and cycle traffic.

York Access Forum said there was a severe safety risk for blind, partially-sighted and mobility-impaired users due to pedestrians and cyclists sharing the space.

York Disability Rights Forum also raised concerns over the shared-use space, saying it would deter pedestrians with limited mobility.

Friends of Holgate Community Garden said they feared the bridge could lead to an increase in antisocial behaviour and vandalism there.

Objectors also claimed the currently quiet, family-oriented Upper St Paul’s Terrace being fundamentally altered by more pedestrians and cyclists using the route.