What & when at Monks Cross?

It isn’t just the Community Stadium (see story below) that is lying unused at Monks Cross.

The £12 million gym, swimming pool and outdoor all-weather sports pitches are also still under wraps.

Coming to Monks Cross – but when?

Around £14 million of taxpayers money has been used to subsidise the complex on top of which were “developer” contributions of over £15 million  (click).

The expectation was that the site would provide several hundred additional jobs for York – opportunities which look to be even more important as the post COVID-19 recession hits employment levels in the City.

Other sports and swimming facilities in the City reopened on 10th August (click).

IMAX cinema has reopended

The IMAX cinema recently reopened and two adjacent units have been taken up by a bowling alley/café (Hollywood Bowl) and an indoor putting green (Putstars). Opening dates haven’t been confirmed.

Both had been scheduled to open in April. Together they will create about 60 jobs.

Bowling alley and indoor putting ready to open?

Elsewhere the Council hasn’t issued any update on the progress made in letting the floor-space in the building that they have underwritten.

Frankie and Benny’s closed

Three of the 4 nearby café units are now vacant following the demise of Frankie and Benny’s.  

Costa Coffee remains open.

Costa Coffee is popular

The has similarly been no word on the plans for a library and the NHS outpatient unit.

Cycle racks at the Park and Ride site are not overused

Monks Cross parking charge doubled ahead of stadium opening

The Council has announced that the charge for parking at Monks Cross will increase from £5 to £10. The proposal comes shortly before the new Community Stadium and facilities like the IMAX cinema are scheduled to open in the summer.

A parking charge of £10 would be amongst the highest faced by supporters of both football and rugby in the UK. In the lower leagues, charges are usually less than £5. (Higher charges can apply to car parks close to Premier league grounds).

Many local supporters are expected to use the reverse park and ride service to Monks Cross. Fares are £3-20 return to the City centre.

Free parking at the nearby Vanguard (John Lewis, M & S etc)car park is restricted to a maximum of 4 hours. Camera enforcement of the restrictions is in operation. Trip Advisor is rife with complaints about fines of £80 being levied for over stayers.