Revamp of York's Walmgate area could be set for £250k boost
That's under council plans for neighbourhood improvement spending
PLANS to revamp a neglected part of York city centre could be set for a £250,000 funding boost under council plans for neighbourhood improvement spending.
The South Walmgate Improvement Proposals, which includes plans for new homes, a heritage trail, public art and communal green areas, in Walmgate is among the schemes earmarked for City of York Council funding.
Others include supoort for a residents’ group in The Groves, council homes communal area condition surveys and equipment and a van to help with repairs and maintenance in public areas.
A council report on the funding stated the proposals included efforts that would help improve the quality of life for people on low incomes in York.
It comes as the funding proposals are set to go before a council meeting for a decision on Tuesday, January 27.
They include the £250,000 for plans for Walmgate improvements backed by the authority’s executive in October.
A Masterplan for the South Walmgate project drawn up by architects Mikhail Riches include plans for 36 new energy-efficient Passivhaus homes.
They would be built on the site of the former derelict Willow House care home, in Long Lane Close, following its demolition.
If plans lodged in December to knock down the care home, four garages and a storage building are approved a further application for the homes would follow in the spring.
Other plans include pavement resurfacing, pocket parks, tree planting, communal food growing areas, a heritage trail and improvements to Walmgate’s parade of shops such as seating and an artwork.
A communal garden stewardship scheme would be set up to allow residents to manage shared spaces including help to get sheds, equipment and play equipment.
There are also plans to improve safety including by tackling antisocial behaviour in routes used by pedestrians and planting on nearby bar wall embankments.
Safety improvements could include closing off some alleyways and cut throughs, with Albert Street identified as an area of particular focus.
Other funding set for a decision on Tuesday includes £10,000 for The Groves Residents Association to draw up future proposals for projects in the area.
A condition survey of all communal spaces to find places which require further investment would be funded by £32,000.
Public realm teams including the Neighbourhood Caretakers launched in September would get a new electric van with £30,000 and a further £40,000 would be used to buy equipment.
A further £40,000 would be set aside of schemes to be decided on an ad hoc basis.
Plans for Walmgate and The Groves have both followed engagement with comunities in those areas.
The council’s report on the funding stated: “Enhancements such as better lighting, security gates and the removal of unsafe routes help reduce antisocial behaviour and improve safety.
“Upgrading communal areas around council homes and apartments through landscaping and improved spaces creates more attractive, usable environments that encourage positive resident activity and community wellbeing.”