So they’re really going to do this to Cliffords Tower!

cliffords-tower-york-plans-front

Council officials are recommending that the controversial new visitor centre at Clifford’s Tower should get the “go ahead”

Clifford Tower Georgian Society quoteIn a report to next weeks planning  committee, they propose to overrule the views of just about every major conservation group in the City.

Those objecting to the English Heritage plan include:

  • YORK CIVIC TRUST
  •  THE SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF ANCIENT BUILDINGS
  • YORK GEORGIAN SOCIETY
  • GUILDHALL PLANNING PANEL
  • RIVER FOSS SOCIETY

Guildhall planning panelIn the main the objections refer to the loss of a unique view of the City although some criticise the architectural approach. Several say any visitor centre should form part of an holistic approach incorporating improvements to the adjacent car park.

The repairs and improvements planned for the Tower itself have generally been welcomed.

cliffords-tower-york-stairs

The proposed visitor centre has been criticised as intrusive and out of scale

 

 

Back to the future for English Heritage Clifford’s Tower visitor centre

Temple of Queen Hatshepsut - Colonnade 1458 BC

Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Valley of the Kings – 1458 BC

Temple of English Heritage Clifford's Tower visitor centre 2016 AD

Temple of English Heritage. Clifford’s Tower visitor centre 2016 AD

Presumably the proposed visitor centre at Clifford’s Tower is another idea from that part of English Heritage which, a few years ago, thought putting a flagpole on top of the tower – on which to fly their corporate logo – was a good idea!