DRAMATIC image-promoting plans to assert York Science Park in Heslington as the main centre of excellence for science and technology in the North of England are being seriously considered, it was revealed today.

Ideas drawn up by design company Northcross - itself based at the Science Park - include a dome-like new exhibition centre containing auditorium, meeting and lecture rooms and cafes linked to the existing Innovation Centre with pedestrian travelators.

Movers and shakers at the 21-acre Science Park are already agreed in principle with Northcross - that all that has been achieved is in danger of being diluted when, and if, other sites, in and around the city, open up to bioscience and IT businesses.

These include proposals on acres of Monks Cross land and the "teardrop" land, near York Railway station, due to be opened up for development once access can be achieved.

Nick Townend, managing director of Northcross believes that the assertion of the Science Park's image of excellence will give the area its rightful due as one of the most powerful generators of York's economy, rather than being "just another outlet" for high-tech firms.

Professor Tony Robards, pro-vice Chancellor of the University of York, who doubles as chairman of York Science Park and the Innovation Centre, said: "We are now looking at the commercial feasibility of all these ideas along with the possibility of grants and will report in September. In a way we are victims of our own success."

Susanne Walker, managing director of York Science Park Innovation Centre explained: "The more than 200 expanding businesses which are part of Science City York have created 1,400 jobs, and become a major engine within the York economy - yet do not have enough room to promote exhibitions or to attract visitors to an iconic building - visitors such as potential inward investors to the city."

Other Northcross ideas being evaluated by York Science Park (Innovation Centre) Ltd are -

the conversion of the area's lofty boiler flue which services the nearby university into a lit-up rocket-like icon at night

reconfiguring the existing Innovation Centre to include "floating platforms" for exhibitions as well as new space for showcasing the achievements of Science Park ventures.

combining two ideas and developing a landmark building pierced by the dramatic "rocket science" flue at the gateway to the science park, including a bridge linking it with the Innovation Centre.

The plans were unveiled at a University Of York Innovation dinner attended by representatives from the University, business and the city council, including Tony Bennett, assistant director of economic development for City of York Council, Len Cruddas, chief executive of the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Chris Townend of P & O Developments Ltd and Mark Vines, manager of HSBC Bank in York.

Afterwards Mr Townend said: "There is no doubt that the work being undertaken by firms at York Science Park is superb and that it is considered the place to be for those involved in high tech industries.

"It is recognised, however, that the Science Park itself has a lack of branding and physical identity to match this growing reputation.

"This represents a tremendous opportunity to create a major new focal point on the site, one that would aim to increase awareness of the importance of York Science Park as a centre of excellence and showcase its work."

Updated: 09:11 Tuesday, July 30, 2002