The City of York Council coach park, which is being provided in the re-modelled Union Terrace car park, will replace the existing St John's coach and lorry park across the road which closes at midnight on Thursday.

Work on re-modelling and improving the Union Terrace car park began last month and is expected to last another four to five weeks - although coaches can use the site from Friday or alternatively park at Kent Street near the Barbican Centre.

The council is currently working with York Auction Centre to develop a new lorry park at their site at Murton, near the junction of the A64 and A166.

Hauliers will be informed when this is available but in the meantime are being asked to make temporary alternative parking arrangements for the short term period.

The Union Terrace project is part of a regeneration package for the area featuring the relocation of the existing St. John's coach park to part of a re-developed and modernised Union Terrace car park. York St John College is building a multi-million pound learning centre on the old St John's coach and lorry park.

Bill Woolley, the council's assistant director for environment and development services, said, "The coach park is an important facility bringing in thousands of visitors to York each year and making a vital contribution to the York economy.

"I am delighted that we have been able to secure a smooth transfer of the facilities this week.

"Investment in this facility reflects the council's support for the continuing development of tourism in York, with the economic and employment benefits that the industry brings."

Significant improvement works on Union Terrace car park will continue over the next few weeks with the final facility featuring parking spaces for 218 cars (including 14 accessible spaces) 34 coaches, five minibuses and eight motorcycles as well as 12 bicycle stands. New toilet and reception facilities are also planned.

Motorists will also benefit from the improvements. The final layout of the facility has been designed to meet the criteria for a Secured Car Park award and includes much improved lighting and new CCTV monitoring as well as new and improved landscaped areas, new trees and a much improved toilet facility.

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