THE long debate over the Coppergate Riverside proposals is coming to a climax with the public inquiry which started this week at York's Guildhall.

So it's a good time to look back at the construction of the original Coppergate Centre, which was designed by the same firm of architects who are behind the Riverside scheme.

Coppergate Centre was York city centre's biggest retail construction project for decades, as our pictures reveal.

At one stage, even a pleasure cruiser had to be pressed into service by contractors to work on new buildings fronting on to the River Foss.

The boat saved builders from having to put up expensive scaffolding and causing an obstruction to river traffic on the Foss.

Copies of pictures from the past can be ordered from the Evening Press.

A print measuring 7x5 costs £5 with 50p postage and packing. A 10x7 costs £7 (50p p+p), or a 12x8 costs £10 (£1 p+p). Finally, a 16x10 costs £17, also with £1 p+p. All sizes are approximate. Payment by cheque should be made to York & County Press then sent to Photographers, Evening Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York. YO1 9YN.

Alternatively, call photosales on 01904 567135.

Updated: 10:54 Friday, January 18, 2002