YORK'S future status as a world-class science city has been under debate.

Leaders of the Science City project last night debated the future of the project and its importance to the city as part of the Without Walls Vision for York.

One of the key areas highlighted was the importance of broadening the scope of the term "science".

Arguments were put forward to expand the diversity and range of projects included under the science umbrella, looking to broaden the scope from traditional areas into food, agriculture and conservation.

The team also reiterated plans for a new creative arts centre in the city as part of the Science City project.

"There are some amazing hi-tech creative arts companies in York already," said Science City manager Anna Rooke.

"There are internet design, musical companies, stained glass preservers, all sorts of different fields from the arts who are using science as an integral part of what they are about."

The project leaders mooted plans for a "creative arts incubator" in the city centre, and are looking to undertake a feasibility study in partnership with Creative, the organisation behind the new arts centre, and Yorkshire Forward to look at ways of promoting this further.

"This is something that has got to be different, possibly an exhibition space, with cafes, art galleries, most likely office space with shared meeting facilities, and possibly shared equipment to help them all.

"It is very much in the ideas stage, we are looking at other models around which are being a real success," said Ms Rooke.

But she said that the project was not such a surprising move for the science centre as might be assumed.

"We are trying to cater for all the needs of the hi-tech businesses in York, whatever they are producing.

"There are things that are important to the creative-industry community, like being in the city, mixing with people, being near the railway, the caf scene, it's all about being there and being inspired by the city.

"This project would be a great way of giving that a boost, and another step in making York a world-class science city."

The project partners are now looking to find funding for a feasibility study to look into the project as part of the Hungate development.

Updated: 10:18 Thursday, July 24, 2003