City of York Council is proposing to start the construction of the new coach park and significant improvements at Union Terrace car park on Monday of next week (January 14).

Work was originally due to start last October but was delayed until January in order to minimise disruption to the road network following the sewer collapse in Cemetery Road and the start of the A64 Copmanthorpe project.

Bill Woolley, the council's assistant director of environment and development services, is writing today to more than 500 residents and other stakeholders in the Clarence Street area to inform of them of the start date for the Union Terrace scheme.

The letter also sets out the many improvements the work on the will bring including much improved security for users. Users of the car park will also be advised of the situation.

The 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.

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

Planning permission for the Union Terrace revamp - featuring parking spaces for 218 cars, 34 coaches, five minibuses and eight motorcycles as well as 12 bicycle stands and new toilet and reception facilities - was granted by the council's Planning Committee last June.

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.

Councillor Dave Merrett, the council's executive member for planning and transport, said, "This new car and coach park will provide a much improved service to both residents and visitors to the city. The additional CCTV cameras, improved lighting, fully staffed toilet facility and customer helpline, along with regular patrols by enforcement officers, will provide a safe and hospitable place for customers to park their vehicles. The improvements should also contribute toward reducing crime in this area."

Once the facility is completed it will enable York St John College to progress with their development proposals for which they have conditional planning permission for the existing coach park site.

The college development will include the new learning centre as well as general teaching, sports exercise, science and health facilities.

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