WORK is finally set to start on developing ugly wasteland on the former York carriageworks site.

Council chiefs have unveiled a £73,000 project to landscape and install public artwork on a section of land, either side of the Fox public house in Holgate Road.

The Evening Press previously reported that the location remained an empty eyesore - six years after it was set aside for the community.

The landscaping scheme will link in with a new footpath and cycleway at the back of the Fox and a new bus waiting area on Holgate Road.

Simon Brereton, manager of Community Regeneration York (CRY), cautiously welcomed the project - but vowed to continue fighting to acquire the remaining land which includes a large former railway canteen.

He has submitted ambitious plans to City of York Council which could create more than 200 jobs. They include converting the canteen into office space for voluntary groups, a children's nursery and IT suite.

Meanwhile, the new landscaping scheme will include new tree planting, especially along the boundary with the adjacent housing site. The artwork will consist of a memorial arch on the central area of open space constructed from Cor-ten steel and plate glass, together with land-formed rail lines in various materials.

Mr Brereton said: "I'm glad to see some work being done at last. It's just a shame it's not being done with our proposals in mind."

The future of the CRY plans are still uncertain because the site has been reserved as part of the York Central "teardrop" site.

Danny Cussons, landlord of the Fox pub, said parts of the wasteland had become a common dumping which attracted rats.

"The sooner they start the work the better," he said.

"The land is a disgrace at the moment."

Holgate councillor Liz Edge said: "We need a community facility on the site which will can be specifically used by young people."

Updated: 08:11 Monday, March 17, 2003