Council set to sell Castlegate property for £431,250

Castlegate

The former youth advice centre premises at 29 Castlegate are set to be sold to the York Conservation Trust for over £431,000.

The building was the centre of a controversy three years ago when the Council seemed to be set on moving the youth advice service to unsuitable premises at West Offices in order to force a sale.

That issue now seems to have been resolved leaving the building – which is adjacent to Fairfax House  – empty.

The York Civic Trust intend to expand their Fairfax House operations into the building

A council report says that the open market valuation of the property is £575,000 but the discount can be justified by the new use for the building which will stimulate tourism and education visits to the City and its nearby attractions.

The new owners face bills of around £40,000 for repairs and redecoration of the property over the next 5 years.

It is expected that around £2.8 million will be invested in Fairfax House  and the adjacent building. The work will include providing full disabled access facilities.

This seems to be a  satisfactory solution to an issue which was surrounded in secrecy when considered by the last Council administration.

 

 

What’s on in York: Learn to Nordic walk

City of York Council is offering residents the chance to learn to Nordic walk in Rowntree Park this April.

The council’s latest Nordic walking course starts on Wednesday 26 April and sessions will take place every Wednesday for four weeks from 10am until 11am, meeting at the Rowntree Park Reading Café.

At the end of the course participants will receive a Nordic Walking UK Freedom Card, which will enable them to attend Nordic Walking groups anywhere in the UK, including several in the York area. The cost of the course is £25, and booking is essential as places are limited.

Nordic walking – walking with the aid of long poles – is currently one of the fastest-growing exercise activities in the UK. Originally developed from cross-country skiing, it is a gentle exercise, but burns 40 per cent more calories than ordinary walking and works 90 per cent of the body’s muscles. It is a safe and effective method of exercise for people of all fitness levels, and is perfect for those wanting to lose weight.

Councillor Nigel Ayre, City of York Council’s executive member for leisure, culture and tourism said: “Over the past few years Nordic walking has grown in popularity as a fun way to keep fit. Nordic walking is a great activity, which people of all ages can enjoy and can be a great way for people to take in the spectacular views of York. Hopefully people take the chance to take part in this course.”

All equipment will be provided although participants should wear comfortable clothes and sturdy footwear.

For further information or to book a place please call City of York Council’s public health team on 01904 553377 or email yorwellbeing@york.gov.uk.

A19 Shipton Road improvements

City of York Council will be carrying out road maintenance and improvement works on the A19, Shipton Road from Monday 24 April.

The work is expected to take two weeks to complete, weather permitting. To minimise disruption work will take place from 9.15am – 3.45pm.

In order to carry out these works safely stop and go traffic management will be operating whilst work is taking place.
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