Why is it so important to create a space for community on York Central?
The City of York, in partnership with Make it York have just launched Yorks Creative Future (Culture Strategy) for the city, which outlines clear areas of development aimed at improving the health, wellbeing and prosperity of citizens through culture and creativity.
The strategy commits the city to working in collaboration with grassroots, community groups and organisations to deliver the ambitious aims – ensuring access to the arts for all children, focussing on priorities that embed culture in placemaking, working to develop and retain talent and develop the cities national and international profile.
YoCo would seek to work in line with both the cultural strategy and also the York Narrative, to develop its programme, and create an environment for collaboration from the bottom up - ensuring that residents retain ownership and autonomy over the project.
We asked for some thoughts from YoCo members on what it would mean, and why it’s important to see a community space brought forward on York Central - here’s what you said!
“The Albion foundry buildings are an important link to the industrial economy and heritage of York of which the York Central development is the city’s most significant asset. The buildings in YoCo’s tenure would provide the opportunity for people who would not normally see themselves reflected in ‘Views of York’ to have space to be actively represented. Nearby housing was structured to create communities that supported the industry and innovation. YoCo could help grow new communities and place York Central at the heart of the future growth of York as an innovative, forward-looking community-focussed city.”
Andrew Morrison, York Civic Trust
“Edible York harvests fruit and makes it available for residents who do not usually access fresh fruit. The base for this is a shipping container on Salisbury Road. We aspire to expand activities to include cooking and learning, which require suitable indoor facilities which are close by. The impact for local residents would be developing new skills, improved diet, and increased social contacts, and the opportunity to volunteer with Edible York.”
Penny Bainbridge, Edible York
“For me, taking on a space in the community, for the community, would have a profound impact.
A space that could create a heart.
A space where experiences, values, fun and learning can be shared. Opportunities for social interaction, inclusion and to develop a sense of community connection. I'd like to see people galvanise in opposition to the ever-increasing fragmentation and isolation. We are happier when we are together. Imagine all the wealth we could bring if together - we need a community space to do that.”
Astrid Hanlon, Local Resident
“York has a proud history of social action and enterprise. YoCo at York Central offers us a modern opportunity to continue this. If we are bold and ambitious, we can create a new way of living, working and relaxing together that is based on equity, community preferences, care for the planet – as well as picking up invaluable lessons learnt from the pandemic.”
Jane Hustwit, Community Activist
“Leeman Road is a community that has been isolated from York for too long. We need to see Leeman Road move from being a place known for its poverty to being known for what is really our strength - community. A place where we can support each other, grow in multi-generational friendships, and both pour into our local economy, but also see the benefits from that investment in our neighbourhood. We don’t necessarily need ideas from great investors or councillors; we need to see the dreams from within this neighbourhood — dreams illustrated by the Google Jamboard on which we all brainstormed together — have the resources and space to become the new reality of Leeman Road.” Deborah Stevenson, Local Resident + Youth With a Mission