The City of York Council is using a multi- faceted approach similar to its Castle Gateway consultation process to seek residents’ views on its draft proposals to transform the front of York Railway Station into a ‘fitting gateway to the city’.
Under the proposals, the redundant Queen Street Bridge would be removed to create the space for the changes, which include:
- improving access to the station with separate arrival points for cars, buses, taxis and cyclists
- moving the taxi-rank, drop-off points and short stay parking access to create car-free public spaces in Team Room Square and creating a new ‘Station Square’
- enhancing access to York’s heritage by revealing hidden parts of the city wall, the station and York Railway Institute’s buildings.
Network Rail, Intercity East Coast Mainline and engineering and design consultancy Arup will be working with the council to develop a master plan for the area, together with a planning application for the first phase of the works which will seek permission to remove the bridge and change the road layout.
The council hopes that as many residents, businesses and interested groups will join in the conversation to help shape the proposals over the next four weeks.
Councillor Peter Dew, executive member for transport, said:
“Travelling to and from the station is a far from ideal experience, whichever mode of transport you use.
"We now have a fantastic opportunity to make it much easier to use, especially with the station set for a three-fold increase in passenger numbers over the next 30 years. Moreover, we have a chance to create a stunning, much improved entrance to York.
"The proposals build upon what people have told in previous consultations. The master plan promotes sustainable travel options, encouraging pedestrians, bus use and cycling. They will also link up with new transport arrangements for York Central and the new pedestrian and cycle deck on Scarborough Bridge, and hopefully end the congestion problem in Tea Room Square.
"I’m really pleased to see more progress being made in such an important area for the city, and look forward to joining the conversation with local residents and businesses.”
Residents have until midnight on Monday 9 July to have your say on the plans. You may join the conversation by:
- Going online at www.york.gov.uk/stationfront , where you can also view a 3D virtual tour of the proposals.
- Visiting exhibitions at York Railway Station (next to Platforms 1 and 3) and in the council’s West Offices.
- You can discuss the proposals with members of the project team at:
York Railway Station Wednesday 13 June 2018 3 - 8pm
City of York Council Offices Wednesday 20 June 2018 10am - 3pm
York Railway Station Saturday 23 June 2018 10.30am - 3pm
York Railway Station Wednesday 5 July 2018 3 - 8pm