YORK is to receive more than half a million pounds to support projects that will revitalise the city.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said £469,765 would be allocated to an ambitious partnership led by University of York academics to bring York’s heritage to life. 

Another £122,123 will support Archaeology on Prescription, an innovative venture being spearheaded by York Archaeological Trust to improve people’s skills, health and well-being.

They are among 477 projects to benefit from £200m from the Government’s Community Renewal Fund, to boost local economies and support the UK’s path to net zero carbon emissions.

The university project, Street Life, will aim to bring the history of Coney Street back to life, and look ahead to York’s future. 

Designed as a six-month pilot with lasting benefits for the street and York, it will be led by Professor Rachel Cowgill, Dr Kate Giles, and Professor Helen Smith, and involve multiple partners.

It will create apprenticeship opportunities and jobs across the heritage and creative sectors, and offer re-skilling and development opportunities to volunteers and other members of the local community, alongside workshops co-designed with York Civic Trust and York Conservation Trust.

Prof Rachel Cowgill, from the department of music and creativity research lead for the University, said: “Working closely with the community, we aim to celebrate York’s rich heritage and vibrant creative spirit through innovative, immersive experiences, which will combine digital innovation and physical engagement.

“Pop-up activities and virtual experiences will include musical performances and open-mic sessions, hands-on letterpress printing workshops, and the chance to step back into York’s colourful past via the city’s amazing archives and cultural collections.” 

Archaeology on Prescription is supporting young people not in education, employment or training, adults struggling with mental health and people who have left the Armed Forces to build their confidence and transferable skills through archaeological excavations. 

Participants are working with archaeologists on a site close to Walmgate Bar and the former Willow House care home.

Willow House, owned by York council, is under review as part of a wider redevelopment plan, and York Archaeological Trust has been offered the site to excavate for the Archaeology on Prescription project.

Meanwhile, a pioneering project to deliver a carbon-negative energy system in North Yorkshire has received £768,876 from the fund.

North Yorkshire County Council submitted bids for funding which has been earmarked to help people into work, boost productivity and grow local economies.