Culture space for ‘world-class artists’ gets go-ahead as part of York ambitions

A programme setting out ambitions for future developments in York, including a new cultural space aiming to attract world-class artists, has been approved.

New biosciences and engineering centres, a sustainable business zone, heritage centre, construction skills village and food network are also among the projects proposed in the York’s Growth Ambitions prospectus.

The document stated the proposals reflected the city’s priorities to drive innovation and enterprise, unlock infrastructure and ensure that residents and communities benefit from new opportunities.

Cllr Claire Douglas, York Council’s Labour leader, said it would showcase projects to potential funders and help the city move to its next stage of development.

It comes as the council’s executive approved the prospectus on Tuesday, November 4.

Labour’s Cllr Claire Douglas, leader of York Council. Picture is from York Council, available for all LDRS partners to use.

The executive heard all the projects proposed in the document would require external funding.

Estimates put the amount of funding needed for the 10 projects the document names as immediate priorities for the coming three years at around £70 million.

Those projects include affordable housing at the Castle Mills and Askham Bar brownfield sites, the planned new rail station at Haxby and Harewood Whin Renewable Energy Park.

The document also sets out plans for longer-term projects including a city centre-based arts and culture innovation centre.

The Creative Chrysalis would aim to build on York’s existing arts offer, provide a stringboard to new talent and expand on the currently limited cultural space.

The document stated: “This will be a new arts and exhibition space in the city that will welcome world-class artists and provide space to showcase emerging talent in a cutting-edge environment.”

Research on possible locations is underway but the document stated the capacity and funding available to progress to a business case were barriers to it progressing.

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Other projects include a new Bio-Yorkshire Campus for Askham Bryan College and the University of York.

It would serve as a hub for innovation and skills in the bioeconomy and comes as part of efforts to position the region as a leader in the industry.

Work on a planning and investment strategy is underway but the project requires capital and long-term funding.

A new sustainable business and enterprise zone is planned for York St John University’s main Lord Mayor’s Walk campus.

The Cordukes Business Enterprise Zone would provide space for up to 100 fledgling businesses, space for teaching and meetings and a conference venue with capacity for up to 350 delegates.

Funding remains the main challenge for the project which would aim to complement the Harrogate Convention Centre.

A World-Leading Centre for Heritage is also proposed offering both conservation and innovation in the field.

The project aims to attract a national heritage partner to work on digital preservation.

The concept has been agreed in principle and is now subject to a decision from the York Museums Trust but upfront funding is needed to move to the next stages.

A construction skills centre could help address local labour shortages by providing training and work on ongoing projects.

Funding is required to build the training centre and cash will be needed to maintain it once it opens.

A community food distribution network would aim to cut out waste by supporting and encourage the reuse of surplus produce.

Investment is needed to launch and scale up the project.

Council Leader Cllr Claire Douglas said the prospectus showed York’s ambitions to the world.

The leader said: “This is the first time we’ve had something so comprehensive and we’re getting a lot of interest already.”