York approves Castle Gateway plans
The proposal includes closing the 298-space Castle Car Park next spring, to enable construction of new public realm features including a park, play area, riverside walk, and a circular route around Clifford’s Tower.
The Castle Gateway development zone covers the Eye of York area, which is where the River Foss meets the River Ouse.
The overall cost is estimated at nearly £10m, including hostile vehicle mitigation measures and £200,000 of upgrades to the neighbouring Coppergate multi-storey car park to make up for the lost car park.
A total of 30 Blue Badge spaces will be retained on site as part of the project.
The car park, which visitors will know is cramped and clunky, is set to be replaced by an area dubbed The Castle Gardens, which will include The Swathe, an area of seasonal planting to represent the historic moat.
A radial walkway is also planned to run around the base of the Clifford’s Tower mound.
Furthermore, a memorial space to a massacre that occurred in 1190 will be installed, to commemorate the 150 Jewish people who sought refuge in the keep of York Castle but were murdered.
