Revised designs submitted for the Castle and Eye of York area

A new flythrough has revealed what the Castle Car Park and the Eye of York could look like.

Amendments to the existing Castle car park and Eye of York planning application have now been submitted.

The key changes include:

• a new green park
• introducing a dedicated space for children to play
• replacing the paved event space with 30 Blue Badge parking spaces to replace existing parking - two of which will have electric vehicle charging points
• reducing the costs of the overall scheme to ensure it is deliverable.

This follows public engagement on the revised concept designs which took place during summer 2024. Design consultancy, BDP, reflected priorities including accessibility, heritage and maintenance in the updated design.

Councillor Katie Lomas, Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion at City of York Council, said: 

“This is an important step forwards for the project which aims to transform one of the most historic parts of the city centre.

“These plans seek to create a versatile public space where people of all ages want to spend time, making it greener and more accessible, as well as more affordable and deliverable, when compared to previous plans.  We are sensitive to the area and its history and that is reflected in the plans which honour some of the more difficult aspects of our past.

“We also want this to be a space for all and as well as a number of accessible features, these plans include retaining 30 blue badge parking spaces, following public feedback.

“We will continue to listen as this project moves through the planning process.”

Councillor Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Economy and Culture said: 

“We are working to transform this area from a car park to a people park. These plans have been shaped by comments from local people, disabled groups, businesses and other stakeholders.

“Our proposals include new play areas for families – something people have been asking for more of in the city centre, and green open space for people to relax and take some time out.

“Our aspiration is for this historic site to be a free, welcoming place for residents and visitors to enjoy, away from the bustle of the city”.

Matthew Costa, Landscape Architect Director at BDP, said:

"We’ve listened carefully to what people want from this space and continue to shape the design around the community vision. The updated plans aim to make the area greener, easier to get around, and more enjoyable for everyone – whether you're coming to relax, play, or meet others. It’s about turning the Castle Gateway into a place that feels like an inclusive, cultural and nature-rich part of the city again.”

The revised designs can be viewed in the updated flythrough video at: https://youtu.be/Vmp55BU-vOI

The planning application can be found using this reference 22/00209/FULM and comments can be made via the statutory planning process before at the Planning Portal. People can also email comments to planning.comments@york.gov.uk or post to Development Management, City of York Council, West Offices, York YO1 6GA.

A report will be taken to the council’s Executive later this year, seeking a decision to close Castle car park, approval to procure a contractor to deliver the scheme, setting the delivery budget and timeframe, plus provide updates on other Castle Gateway schemes.

Read the latest My Castle Gateway blog at: https://mycastlegateway.org/blog/ 

Find out more at: www.york.gov.uk/CastleEyeOfYork