Castle Car Park update ahead of Clifford’s Tower scheme

Castle Car Park, in Tower Street, was scheduled to close this spring to make way for the redevelopment of the area below Clifford’s Tower.

City of York Council city development lead Garry Taylor said it would be closed following improvements to the neighbouring Coppergate Multi-Storey Car Park and contractors for the works were currently being appointed.

It follows the approval in December of the Castle and Eye of York scheme which is set to see the area below Clifford’s Tower turned into a park and play space.

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The 298-space Castle Car Park is set to be closed to make way for the redevelopment, though 30 Blue Badge spaces will be retained.

An area dubbed The Castle Gardens is planned and it is set to include The Swathe seasonal planting space representing the moat which was once at York Castle.

It is set to see Castle Car Park grassed over and trees planted and water and power supplies installed so community events can be held.

The historic entrance to the York Castle complex is set to be marked by Castlegate Garden and a radial walkway is planned around the base of Clifford’s Tower.

A memorial to up to 150 Jews who died at Clifford’s Tower in a massacre in 1190 is also planned.

The project is set to cost an estimated £9.934m, including £200,000-worth of improvements to Coppergate Multi-Storey Car Park.

Castle Car Park, in Tower Street, York (Image: LDRS)

Coppergate is currently under-used for much of the year, according to a council report on the redevelopment.

Improvements floated by council officials include opening the multi-storey for 24 hours a day to make up for the loss of the Castle site.

CCTV and cosmetic improvements are also planned.

The council is yet to give a date for Castle Car Park’s closure or say when works on the redevelopment around Clifford’s Tower will start.

Director of City Development Mr Taylor said officials would continue to share updates about the scheme as the start of construction moves closer.

The director told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “We are continuing to progress our exciting plans to transform the area around Clifford’s Tower.

“We are currently in the process of appointing contractors who will shape the construction programme.

“A part of this work will include making improvements to Coppergate Multi-Storey Car Park to improve its function and attractiveness for users

“Our intention is to only close Castle Car Park after these improvements to Coppergate Car Park have been made.

“Castle Gateway will dramatically improve this area, with high quality public spaces, a place for children and families to play, spaces to reflect and much more.”