Cinema revamp may spark ‘York prosperity’

11:57am Wednesday 27th February 2008

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THE redevelopment of York's Odeon cinema could serve as a "launch pad" for a wider economic boom, according to a local councillor.

Sandy Fraser said the revival of the picture-house could help attract people to Micklegate, bringing increased vibrancy to the area.

Speaking at a council meeting yesterday, Coun Fraser called for a range of actions to help improve the lot of York's "peripheral" streets, namely Micklegate, Goodramgate and Fossgate.

He said: "We do think the council could be more proactive in encouraging dialogue with traders. Perhaps we could use the council's good offices to promote that more than we have done."

Coun Fraser said it was important to develop a coherent economic strategy for the streets, and to extend footfall. He said the redevelopment of the Odeon could have a wider benefit, and said people using Park&Ride from the west of the city could be encouraged to get off in Blossom Street and walk down Micklegate, or to nearby attractions.

As reported in The Press, a stained glass centre was to be opened in St Martin-cum-Gregory Church, which Coun Fraser said could help to attract more visitors to the area.

Roger Ranson, the council's assistant director for economic development, said: "We should not lose sight of the quite considerable amount of initiatives already shown."

He said several areas for further work had been identified.

Coun Christian Vassie suggested that art graduates from York's two universities could be offered the chance to display their work in Micklegate, Goodramgate or Fossgate, to help add to their appeal.

Coun Sue Galloway said the onus often had to be on local councillors to take action to improve their area, and suggested to Coun Fraser that he install some flower tubs in Micklegate, to make it more attractive.

Council leader Steve Galloway said York could not inure itself against the national economic climate, but said the city was performing far better than many others.

He said that, compared with ten to 15 years ago, York now had far fewer empty shops, and those that were unoccupied were not empty for as long as they once would have been.

Meanwhile, councillors took only three minutes yesterday to set York's council tax for 2008-9. The rate could not be set last week, as police and fire authorities had still to formally complete their budget processes. But councillors met yesterday afternoon to formally vote through the increase.

The council's tax demand is rising by 4.75 per cent. When the police and fire precepts are taken into account, the total rise is 4.67 per cent.