Extraordinary nonsense is being circulated by the Director of York Civic Trust. In a letter to members he describes the new community stadium development at Monks Cross as the “biggest single threat to the City centre in recent years”.
It isn’t, of course, and those who have subscribed to the Trust over the years will be wondering whether their money is being well spent?
We thought that it might be invested in preserving the fabric of our ancient City not promoting paranoid fantasies.
The two new stores that are being built – and which will help to fund the stadium – are a John Lewis (which doesn’t currently have an outlet within 25 miles of the City) and a Mark and Spencer home furnishings shop. While it is true that the latter will replace the Piccadilly/Coppergate outlet, that was always on the cards. Like it or not, when shoppers buy bulky comparison goods these days, they look for a good choice in a location easily accessible by private transport.
There are now few household goods outlets of this sort located in York City centre (or any other city centre for that matter).
The Civic Trust Director might have been on firmer ground if he had focussed his attack on the, completely separate, planning application which aims to increase the size of the existing Monks Cross retail centre by around 50%. The type of retailer attracted to such an expansion might indeed directly compete with a City centre which relies – successfully – on a mix of iconic visitor attractions, a unique streetscape plus exceptional, and generally specialised, shopping choices.
It offers an incomparable atmosphere which has seen the shopping area withstand the recession better than other cities.
The Civic Trust quote the support of the Dean of York Minster. As far as we can see The Dean hasn’t publicly got involved in this argument, no doubt choosing wisely to act more cautiously than his counterpart at St Pauls! They also claim the support of the York Conservation Trust – the Morrell inspired body that does excellent conservation work but which offers little insight into modern lifestyles and the compromises that have to be made sometimes to promote new amenities.
The Trust question whether the stadium will be a “community” one. They offer no justification for their scepticism. They describe the stadium as a “rework” of the existing stadium. That is untrue. It will be completely new. They argue for sequential testing, yet fail to recognise that was one of the principle reasons why Monks Cross was selected as the best location for a stadium.
So the Trust now ask us to write to the Planning Officer to give our views on the proposals. Some refinements to the submitted plans may have to be made, but we hope that residents will indeed take the opportunity to record their support for the development.
It is one of those “once in a lifetime” moments.
If lost, because of distorted arguments fuelled by vested interests, then say goodbye to modern stadium facilities in the city and possibly professional football as well.