Drop in session for £395k Acomb Front Street improvements starting January

Businesses, residents and visitors are being invited to join City of York Council for a drop in event next week, to find out more about the improvements for Acomb Front Street starting this month.

The event will take place on Tuesday 17 January 11am - 4pm at the Gateway Centre, Front Street, York YO24 3BZ.

Plans to enhance public realm and support economic growth in York’s secondary shopping areas have been progressing in the last few years with smaller improvements delivered. Through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) £395,000 has now been allocated to improve Front Street and address issues highlighted by local residents and businesses.

Acomb Front Street plays a vital role in the community and the wider city and is home to many established and well-loved local independent retailers and community spaces.

It has a lower than national average proportion of empty units, with occupancy rates bucking the UK trend by increasing significantly in the last three years.

In early 2021, the council asked for views on how to help keep the Front Street at the heart Acomb’s economy and community. Over 1,200 people fed back which was considered as part of the final proposals.

The latest set of funding allocated will see work now take place this year to address local concerns. The first phase of the regeneration scheme will include improving the council maintained footpaths in the area and working with landlords of the private footways. This will include repaving footways – including three new sets of tactile crossings which will be constructed within the footway zone improving disabled access. Work will also take place to replace old and worn signage, upgrade benches and much more.

Councillor Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Finance and Major Projects, said:

“In allocating the UKSPF funding we were determined to deliver projects that would see a direct impact on local communities.

There has never been a more important time to focus on the future of our shopping areas so we’re really pleased to be starting this project.

“The last few years have presented huge challenges for many businesses and residents. It has accelerated many of the changes to the high street we knew were coming, like an increase in online shopping. 

“But this has also seen many people reconnect with their communities and support the independent, local shops which are the backbone of our local economy. We want to combine that community spirit with the huge potential of Front Street to respond to resident concerns and improve the area to offer a welcoming place where local people can live, work and relax.

“As the works are about to start later this month, this event will provide an opportunity for the local community to continue to be involved in the project, so I would invite residents to attend the meeting to learn more. We will make sure to keep the community updated throughout the works.”

The scheme is due to start from w/c 23 January and will take around four months, finishing by 21 May weather permitting.

Works will be carried out 8am and 4pm weekdays. No works will be undertaken in the carriageway before 10.30am to maintain delivery access.

Works will be completed in stages to ensure minimal disruption throughout the scheme.  

Access to businesses and residential addresses will be maintained throughout. The council will make every effort to do any works in front of doorways during quieter hours to minimise disruption. 

Site staff will be on hand to advise and assist all road users (including cyclists and pedestrians) about any access restrictions once the works are ongoing.   

Emergency services will be permitted through the works in any situation. 

As with any construction work, there is likely to be a certain amount of disruption and inconvenience to the public. However, the contractor will at all times try to keep any disruption to a minimum. 

To find out more about the works visit: york.gov.uk/AcombFrontStreet