Improvements made during phase 2
We've engaged with residents, businesses and the wider community to understand what changes were needed to make Front Street a more welcoming, accessible and vibrant place. Thank you to everybody who has shared feedback and helped shape the recent phase 2 regeneration work.
We're currently finalising the Pedestrian Feasibility Study and will share this in Spring 2025.
Here are some key points you told us and what has been done to improve the area:
- activities and events
- welcoming entrances
- a more pedestrian-friendly destination
- bollards and highway signage
- improved Blue Badge car parking
- placemaking and identity
- connect to the older section of Front Street
- new signage
- planters and seating
- toilet upgrade
- Front Street Evaluation Survey
Activities and events
You said: Your highest priority was to be able to hold more events and community activities in the street.
We did: A popular monthly market has been established. Following community requests to make it easier to run events when the road is closed, an electrical cabinet has been installed to provide a metered electric supply. The cost for Front Street road closures has also been prepaid for community events in 2025. If you're a group wishing to run an event, contact the Community Team via shapingneighbourhoods@york.gov.uk or call 01904 551832.
Welcoming entrances
You said: Make the entrances to Front Street more people friendly, welcoming and inviting.
We did: 2 welcome gateways have been created featuring bespoke seating, planting, wayfinding totems and the new ‘Return of the Oaks’ mural created by Art of Protest.
A more pedestrian-friendly destination
You said: Create a people focused space in the main shopping area.
We did: Pedestrian crossings have been levelled, widened and made more accessible, and clear, unrestricted walkways have been created throughout the main shopping area. This has created a more people focused ‘central space’.
A new pedestrian crossing has also been installed near Morrisons, and we are trialling new tactile paving to improve wheelchair users’ experience.
Bollards and highway signage
You said: Review the bollards and declutter the highway.
We did: Around two thirds of the bollards have been removed following engagement and feedback from the community. “Ahead only” markings have been removed from the road and the carriageway has been resurfaced with a buff coloured material to further promote this is a space for people during pedestrian hours.
Improved Blue Badge parking
You said: The current blue badge car parking spaces do not meet accessibility standards and are frequently misused by non-blue badge holders.
We did: Blue Badge parking spaces on Front Street, Cross Street and School Street have been resurfaced and remarked. This ensures that the spaces are clear and easy for Blue Badge holders to use, and that parking enforcement patrols can be more effective.
Placemaking and identity
You said: A more colourful place, with a cohesive approach to promote Acomb’s offer as a whole, and as a destination.
We did: The Greater Acomb Community Forum designed a new brand and identity for the forum. They invited us to incorporate the design into the Front Street regeneration work to create an identity for Acomb. The name Acomb derived from the Old English ‘acum’ meaning 'at the oak trees', and the logo depicts a heart-shaped acorn and oak leaf, representing Acomb's heritage, diversity, and community love.
Connect to the older section of Front Street
You said: Front Street has 2 distinctive areas, the shopping area and the older village section which are currently separated by a vehicle dominated space.
We did: A new formal crossing point has been created near Morrisons and new benches have been installed near Acomb Working Men’s Club.
New signage
You said: Signpost to community and cultural facilities and green spaces outside of the shopping area too.
We did: Wayfinding fingerposts were installed signposting residents and visitors to facilities and green spaces. The signs use the same green colour as the planters and new seating and logo that was designed by Greater Acomb Community Forum.
A new Community notice board is now available to share local activities and events. A set of keys are held by the office at Gateway Centre (during office hours).
Planters and seating
You said: More seating, bins and planting.
We did: Members from Greater Acomb Community Forum planted the new containers and will look after the plants long term. They also gave the old planters on Front Street a makeover with the support of volunteers and local businesses.
New benches have been installed, including in front of Acomb Working Men’s Club. 8 existing wooden benches have also been painted with colourful leaf designs by Art of Protest.
Toilet upgrade
You said: Improve the current tired and damaged toilet block on Cross Street.
We did: The toilet block has been refurbished and an additional accessible toilet has been created with additional external lighting, as suggested by community.
Front Street Evaluation Survey
Read the full Front Street Evaluation Survey findings.
Due to the UKSPF spend and reporting deadlines the survey had to be completed prior to end of March 25. The survey was carried out between 22 February and 7 March 2025, therefore some elements of the project (wayfinding, mural and new bench installation) were not fully complete, additionally the first market this year was hosted after the survey was completed. Consequently, feedback on these elements isn’t explicit.
Anecdotally, the full benefits of the new planters and seating, ease of people moving in the space are now being felt by the community, especially now we are experiencing warmer weather.