£50m plan approved to protect city heritage sites

York's buildings are 'more fragile than they look', the city council says

Plans to raise £50m to protect York's historic buildings, collections and archaeological sites have been approved amid mounting maintenance costs.

A 10-year strategy will aim to fund refurbishment work, create a new artefact storage facility and explore ways to generate income from the city's collections.

City of York Council said it hoped the money would come through grants and private investment, while the scheme would make heritage assets available for community use.

A spokesperson said that although the city's historic buildings were its greatest strength, they were "more fragile than they look".

York is home to more than 1,500 listed buildings and is one of five officially designated Areas of Archaeological Importance in the UK.

It also has the largest number of heritage assets per square mile outside of London and it is estimated that they bring in £2.1bn to the city's economy, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

However, a recent report found that some of York's assets were "at risk" - including its medieval timber-framed buildings.

The Yorkshire Museum and Castle Museum need £22m for roof repairs and the city's collections of historical artefacts and archives are also not currently stored in purpose-built facilities, putting them at risk of decay brought on by rising temperatures and humidity, said the report.

So the newly approved Heritage Programme would ensure York remained a "flourishing, dynamic and modern city", according to council leader Claire Douglas.

Donation points could be installed along York's historic walls to raise funds, it was suggested

Suggestions to raise funds include donation points on York's walls to help cover maintenance costs, but officials said this would not be enough to make a "sustained difference".

Meanwhile officials hope to bring in at least £250,000 a year from licensing and sponsoring artefacts, images and other objects from the city's collections.

There are also plans for training opportunities and entry-level jobs in the heritage sector for young people along with neighbourhood-based community projects.

It is estimated the strategy could help boost the number of visitors to York by 5%.

The council has agreed to invest £250,000 in developing the programme but it is hoped it will become self-sufficient in two years, with collaborations with York Museums Trust, York Explore and the University for York.

Council chief strategy officer Claire Foale said: "We have buildings dating back years, beautiful stonework, Medieval glass windows and snickleways.

"This programme aims to attract investment, enhance community pride, create new opportunities with a refreshed offer for residents and tourists, bring more skilled jobs to the city and protect our heritage's rightful place at the heart of our nation's history."

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