IT is a familiar tale of two cities. York is regularly hailed as one of Britain's top attractions, thanks to the colourful collision of history to be seen in Roman remains, Viking streets and medieval churches.

At the same time, the city's success as a modern shopping centre is lamented. Last week, a survey placed York second from bottom in a league of venues offering the best chain stores.

This has long been a problem. The Coppergate Riverside complex was first dreamed up more than a decade ago to redress York's lack of space for big department stores.

Since that plan was rejected by a Government inspector, the city centre's development has effectively been put on hold. New Spurriergate shops will take the retail experience forward, but what then?

In an age when shopping is a key leisure pursuit, York cannot afford to stand still. Recognising the need for renewed momentum, the city council, Yorkshire Forward and the business community have joined together to fund a city centre "chief executive".

This is a tough job. The successful candidate must do nothing less than reinvent York as a shopping venue, creating the sort of buzz that met the launch of the footstreets.

A problem already in his or her in-tray is the Parliament Street fairground. Does this offer the right image for our city?

Considering the backlash against the "York eye", it would seem many residents think not.

Updated: 11:36 Tuesday, March 29, 2005