Retailers and councillors joined together to celebrate the completion of phase one of the Kings Square revamp.
The 12-week programme to repave and remodel the square was completed ahead of the St Nicholas Fayre which started today (November 28).
Cllr Dave Merrett, in charge of planning and transport at York council, said: “The King’s Square transformation will maximise the benefits for residents, visitors and businesses through creating a much more attractive and thriving city centre.”
The revamp is being paid for out of the Reinvigorate York fund. Sir Ron Cooke, chair of Reinvigorate York, described King’s Square as previously looking “looking shabby, cluttered and in need of serious maintenance”.
“The paving was uneven, many slabs were broken, there were unsightly patches of Tarmac, the explanatory slab was seriously worn, and the seating was poor, poorly placed and inadequate. We hope the new work has overcome all these issues.”
Phase two of the £490,000 King’s Square revamp starts on the road in spring. It is one of six city centre improvement projects earmarked by Reinvigorate York, the other five being:
- Parliament Street (including Piccadilly/ Coppergate junction)
- Exhibition Square/ St Leonard’s Place/ Bootham Bar
- Fossgate/ Pavement/ Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma Gate
- Duncombe Place/ Blake Street
- Micklegate