Help shape Front Street improvements

City of York Council is seeking the views of residents and businesses on new ideas for Front Street in Acomb.

In October 2023, £570,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) money was approved by the council’s Executive for phase 2 improvements to Front Street. The council is now inviting residents, visitors, businesses and other stakeholders to share their views and priorities and provide feedback on initial ideas to improve the area.

Key areas for consideration include:

• Enhancing the area, creating a more people friendly space
• Extending the benefits beyond the high street to better connect local amenities
• Creating a more accessible destination, for example through generously-sized pedestrian crossings and accessible blue badge car parking
• Considering longer-term aspirations, including potential pedestrianisation

The approach also acknowledges community feedback regarding the Front Street bollards and seeks views on proposals to substantially reduce their number. Any bollards that are removed will be reused across the city where possible.

This latest phase of work in Acomb also seeks to align ideas with the ‘Future of Acomb Front Street’ Study which was developed through extensive local consultation and sets out a range of longer-term ambitions for the area.

While all potential improvements may not be possible within the current funding package, this engagement is key to listening to and working with the community to deliver the best possible scheme.

There are multiple ways to take part:

• Online survey- Complete the survey online at www.york.gov.uk/roadworks-closures-diversions/improvements-front-street-acomb/8
• Paper survey- These are available at Acomb Explore and can be returned by freepost to:

Front Street Acomb Regeneration

Freepost RTEG-TYYU-KLTZ

City of York Council, West Offices, Station Rise, York YO1 6GA

• Engagement events- Attend one of the following events:
• Wednesday 28 February 6:30pm-8:30pm- Joint Acomb, Westfield, Holgate Ward Committee, Gateway Centre
• Thursday 29 February 3pm-6pm- Drop-in, Gateway Centre
• Thursday 7 March 10am-1pm- Drop-in, Acomb Explore
• Saturday 16 March 1pm-4pm - Drop-in, Gateway Centre

The feedback received will help inform detailed designs to be presented for consideration and approval by the council’s Executive in Summer 2024, and will support future funding bids to make further changes in the area.

The survey is open from 26 February and will close on 24 March 2024.

Cllr Pete Kilbane, Executive Member for Economy and Transport at City of York Council, said: 

“Front Street is at the heart of the community in Acomb, so we want to ensure local people, traders and visitors have the opportunity to shape this second phase of investment.

“We are working with urban designers to explore creative solutions to improve the area. The ambition is to support economic growth and develop a thriving, welcoming and accessible environment on the high street and beyond. We are keen to engage with everyone in the coming weeks so that we come up with the best scheme possible for the community with the funding and time that we have. 

“We know that there are lots of different views and opinions out there, so we want to hear from as many people as possible.  Your feedback will make a real difference and will help shape the designs for phase two, so please take the time to get involved and have your say.”

For more information and to take part, visit www.york.gov.uk/AcombFrontStreet or contact AcombFrontStreet@york.gov.uk