Plans scrapped for tower visitor centre

Controversial plans to build a visitor centre at the 13th-century Clifford’s Tower, one of the best-known historical monuments in northern England, have been dropped by English Heritage.

CONTROVERSIAL PLANS to build a visitor centre at one of the best-known historical monuments in northern England have been dropped by English Heritage.

The proposal to build the centre below the 13th-century Clifford’s Tower, which features in countless images of York, sparked objections from people in the city.

In 2016, York City Council approved the plan for a gift shop and interpretation centre, which also included new stairs up to the castle and a range of improved visitor features inside the keep.

The decision was challenged by a group of objectors, led by independent councillor Johnny Hayes, but an application for a judicial review failed at the High Court last year.

Now English Heritage has said it is dropping the plan, citing the influence of a new planning masterplan for the area around the tower and the input of its new director for the north of England Andrea Selley.

Ms Selley said: “There are a number of things which influenced this decision.

“The momentum behind transforming the Castle Gateway area is genuinely exciting and it may open up opportunities for Clifford’s Tower that previously did not exist.

“We also became increasingly conscious that many people have a deep emotional attachment towards the mound.”

Ms Selley said the decision still left issues to be solved at the tower. But the fact remains that although people love the tower, a visit is far from ideal – there is an ugly shop in the centre of the tower and little interpretation to tell its fascinating story,” she said.

“We therefore remain committed to doing justice to Clifford’s Tower and we will work with our partners and the public to get it right.”

Clifford’s Tower is the last remaining part of York Castle, which was once the focus of Royal power in the North of England.

In 1190 it was the site of one of the most notorious incidents in English history when about 150 Jews were massacred after taking refuge in the tower.

The Castle Gateway Masterplan is a project developed by York City Council which aims to shape a large area between the Rivers Foss and Ouse, including the area around Clifford’s Tower.

York Central MP Rachael Maskell welcomed the decision by English Heritage.

She said: “I am glad English Heritage have listened to people’s views.

“A visitor centre will be a huge asset to Clifford’s Tower but locating this within the motte was a mistake and would have spoilt the view of one of York’s most iconic buildings.”

It would have spoilt the view of one of York’s most iconic buildings. Rachael Maskell, York Central MP.