CONTROVERSIAL plans to put a big wheel behind York Art Gallery have been scrapped for good – but the city will get a new public garden.
York Museums Trust has dropped its plans to site the 53-metre wheel next to the Museum Gardens, and will instead look to create a new landscaped garden and arts space.
Great City Attractions, which would have operated the wheel, says it still wants to bring it to the city and will now look for alternative locations.
The Trust had delayed the scheme to allow a bat survey to be conducted, but although the survey has okayed development the Trust has abandoned the plan.
It said the delays caused by the survey had “drastically” reduced the amount of money it would have made.
In a statement, Great City Attractions said: “We are disappointed that York Museum Trust has been unable to continue with the wheel project due to the reduced operating term available.
“We would like to thank everyone who has given their support to this exciting project.
“GCA remains committed to finding a viable location in York where we can, once again, make a contribution to the city’s tourism and economy as we have successfully done in the past.”
The Trust’s new plans involve opening up the land behind the gallery to create a “whole new area” of the Museum Gardens, including pathways from Exhibition Square and Marygate.
The organisation said the project, which is estimated to cost £300,000 and will be supported by funding from City of York Council and the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, was a key factor in the £6 million proposed refurbishment of the gallery.
Michael Woodward, commercial director for the Trust, said: “The Trust has given a great deal of thought to the people of York’s reaction to bringing the wheel to this area of the city.
“While it had many supporters, it also raised a lot of concerns, especially with heritage groups and the residents of Marygate. The delay in installing the wheel has also shortened the time it would have been in place by nearly half, dramatically reducing the economic value it would bring to the Trust and the city.”
He said the new area would be exciting in its own right and would link the gallery with the Museum Gardens. He also said the Trust wished Great City Attractions well with its future plans.
Visit York chief executive Gillian Cruddas said: "The linking of the Museum Gardens to York Art Gallery is excellent news for the city as it will create a whole new area for the public to enjoy.
“We believe this proposed development will be of long-term benefit, opening up an unknown area of the city.”
Philip Thake, chief executive of York Conservation Trust, which opposed the wheel, said: “I am delighted with the news.
“Something needed to happen to the area, but it really ought to be an extension to the Museum Gardens. It is a nice area, although the huts are hideous, but it really could be something lovely. It is very good news indeed.”
York Museums Trust will now submit new plans in the next few months, with the aim of demolishing the derelict huts this autumn and opening the new area to the public by next spring. Residents will be consulted about future use of the space.
The Trust’s planning application for the wheel was dramatically withdrawn less than 24 hours before it was due to go before a council’s planning committee in February, when the need for a bat survey emerged.
Wheel remains a top attraction
NEWS that a once-hidden area of York is to be turned into an extension of Museum Gardens is a welcome feature of the proposed refurbishment at York Art Gallery. But there will be something lacking. This could have been the site for York’s returning big wheel.
Now it will not.
The infamous bats are no longer a problem, but the sorry saga has dragged on for so long that claims are being made it doesn’t make economic sense any longer.
We think that is a shame. When the York Wheel was first installed, next to the National Railway Museum, some declared it a blot on our ancient cityscape.
But time is a funny thing and after a few months the wheel became a familiar sight, it began to look as if it had always been there and – dare we say – even enhanced the skyline as far as many were concerned. Then it went and so too did a valuable boost to York’s tourism economy.
We have always respected the need for a wheel, as long as it was sited correctly. Museum Gardens could have been that place. We are tempted to apologise to Great City Attractions, on behalf of York, for the problems it has had finding an acceptable site.
There seems to be a tendency among some to want York to stop evolving; to become almost a museum piece. However, this is a living, vibrant city and to remain relevant it must move with the times. That can be done without losing sight of our heritage and we sincerely hope Great City Attractions doesn’t give up on York.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel