Front Street improvements shaped by local community go for approval

Exciting plans to make a number of improvements to Front Street will be taken to a meeting next week (24 September).

In October 2023, the council’s Executive approved £570,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) money for phase 2 improvements to Front Street in Acomb. Earlier this year, residents, visitors, businesses and other stakeholders were invited to share their priorities and provide feedback on ideas for phase 2. This process received 900 individual responses and over 5,000 comments.

This community led approach has shaped the design ideas that Cllr Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Economy and  Culture will be asked to approve.  Proposals include:

• Significantly reducing the number of bollards, while continuing to tackle illegal parking. The plans could see around two thirds of the bollards being removed on Front Street. Any bollards that are removed will be used on other projects where bollards are being installed wherever possible.
• Wider and more accessible pedestrian crossings, creating a new central space in the main shopping area and a new pedestrian crossing near Morrisons.
• Welcoming entrance points as part of efforts to create a people-friendly space.
• The ability to close the road to hold events and community activities with new infrastructure to facilitate events, including a regular local market.
• More seating, bins, a community notice board and planting in the main shopping area.
• New signage and wayfinding, with a design that has been created by the community, that reflects the identity of the area.
• Clearly marked, accessible Blue Badge car parking in four locations, supported by enforcement to prevent the misuse of these spaces
• A feasibility study to look at pedestrianising the area in the future.
• Plans to commission a community mural from a professional artist.

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

“Thank you to the community in Acomb and Westfield and to council officers for helping us get this far.

“While not surprising, it has been amazing to see people’s pride in their community. We have listened and these designs reflect what people told us they wanted to see and align with the longer-term vision for the future of Front Street.

“The local community told us they wanted Front Street to have more events in addition to the new market and we are looking at putting the infrastructure in place so that can happen. People also told us to remove the bollards while still tackling illegal parking. These plans look to address that by proposing the removal of over two thirds of bollards, with enforcement to address parking concerns.

“These are just two of many examples of us acting on what people told us they want to see for the area.

“This money has to be spent on improving the high street and must be spent by the end of March and we hope it can make a real difference to the area.”

The Executive Member decision session takes place on Tuesday 24 September at 10am. The reports are available to view online at Agenda for Decision Session - Executive Member for Economy and Culture on Tuesday, 24 September 2024, 10.00 am (york.gov.uk). The meeting will be available to view on demand at www.york.gov.uk/webcasts

A drop-in event will be held on Thursday 26 September at the Gateway Centre from 3pm to 6pm where residents and businesses are invited to view the plans and meet the team.