Architects behind York's proposed £60 million Coppergate Centre extension say they are prepared to make changes to the controversial "glass palace".

A clock tower and rooftop garden terrace could both be introduced at the top of the structure in Piccadilly, next to the bridge over the River Foss.

Architect Terry Farrell was speaking as members of the public inspected a large model of the 240,000-square foot shopping centre, which has gone on display at the Guildhall as part of a public consultation exercise.

Several Evening Press readers have criticised the glazed building with its "funnel" top, one saying it would be more appropriate as a cruise- liner terminal and another ironically branding it a "glass palace", claiming that the designers had forgotten York was an historic city of outstanding beauty and charm.

Mr Farrell said he felt strongly there should be a "feature" in the scheme rather than just walled buildings, but he was open to suggestions for alterations in the detail.

Visitors yesterday were generally positive about the whole scheme. "It's better than I anticipated," said Dianna Turgoose, from York.

"One thing they are getting right is Piccadilly. At the moment, it's so bleak and depressing as you come along Piccadilly. It's going to look so much better. But I still think the building next to Clifford's Tower is too close."

But Sheena Walkley welcomed the fact that the tower would remain the focal point, higher than the new buildings.

Another visitor, Geoff Corney, said: "My initial reaction is: It's very exciting."

Richard Akers, of developers Land Securities, said some visitors had been sorry to lose the current car park near Clifford's Tower.

But he said alternative car parks planned for Piccadilly would be user-friendly buildings, with good lighting and closed circuit TV to ensure motorists' safety.

He said residents had welcomed the arrival of "real shops", rather than touristy shops.

Mr Farrell said his firm had tried to design something in keeping with York.

The exhibition is at the Guildhall tonight until 8pm, and then moves tomorrow and on Saturday to St Sampson's Square, from 10am to 6pm.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.