A NEW science-based tourist attraction could be developed in York if investigations by the city's economic development board show there is a gap in the market.

Council chiefs believe the idea could combine the city's strengths in the tourism and science industries and it is contained within their economic development programme for 2001/2.

Two of the main aims of the programme are to continue encouraging new science and tourism-related jobs and businesses to the city.

Tony Bennett, assistant director for economic development, said a feasibility study this year would look at what similar attractions there were elsewhere and in York. If there was potential, the board would be looking at attracting an investor to come in.

Councillors will examine the 2001/2 programme on Thursday afternoon, and will also consider an economic update drawn up by Mr Bennett.

This shows that, in relation to the rail industry:

- The board is supporting Arriva's bid for the Transpennine route, because it is the only bid which would develop Piccadilly Station in Manchester, allowing quicker services to Manchester Airport

- The board is also pressing for the headquarters of Railtrack's new Eastern Region to be in York

- An application has been submitted to establish a National Centre for Rail Systems Research by the council and the universities of York, Leeds and Sheffield and the Institute of Railway Studies, based at the National Railway Museum.

In relation to First Stop York (tourism) Mr Bennett says:

- Visitor numbers were up 16 per cent in May and six per cent in June compared to last year. Hotel occupancy also improved

- The difficult six months from September last year, which were affected by the floods, rail and fuel disruption, were reflected in figures for the year 2000, which showed the length of stay down from 3.23 days to 3.09 days in 2000, visitor spend down three per cent to £245.4 million and jobs down by four per cent to 8,496

- New developments included the new York Pass, the new logo for York, a better website, a bigger food and drink festival and a Yuletide York Christmas campaign this year.

On Science City York, the economic update shows:

- A planning application for a new science park at Monks Cross has been submitted

- Building work has started on "bio-incubator" premises at the Science Park at the University of York which is designed to help new bioscience companies set up in business

- A bid has gone in to set up an "e-incubator" which would provide advice and guidance to new Internet businesses

- A two-day conference is to be held in York by the BioIndustry Association in November, attended by a Government Minister.

Updated: 11:19 Tuesday, September 11, 2001