A river cruise skipper is backing the £60 million extension to York's Coppergate Centre after hearing how a special landing stage will be built for his craft.

Philip Bramhill will be able to continue taking passengers along the River Foss, using the landing stage adjacent to the new shopping development.

Coppergate developers Land Securities, whose proposals to build a new shopping complex between Clifford's Tower and Piccadilly go before City of York Council planners next week, have also pledged to try to ensure the building work does not affect his cruises.

"I'm relieved," said Mr Bramhill, 32, of Ousebank, Selby, whose River Foss Pleasure Cruises were launched in April using a 28ft former lifeboat with seating for up to 30 people.

"The cruises have become popular not only with tourists but also with locals exploring the Foss, and a landing stage for the boat next to the new development should be quite an attraction."

Diana Dickson, manager of the Coppergate Centre, said she hoped the boat trips would become one of the distinctive attractions of the new development. "The Ouse gets most of the public attention, but the Foss has lots of interesting features, too."

Meanwhile, major residential developers are lining up to construct 67 residential apartments as part of the Coppergate Phase Two scheme.

Consultants DTZ Debenham Thorpe say they have selected a short list of five companies to present proposals to Land Securities. "Interest is among the strongest I have ever encountered for such a development, because of the unique nature of the location and the opportunity to live within the city walls above the proposed new retail development," said director Ian McAndrew.

He said the development was good news for local businesses such as city centre restaurants. "The occupants are likely to include younger semi-retired people and also top professionals using York's excellent rail connections to commute to other cities, but preferring the quality of life of living in the city of York."

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