Campaigners propose alternative designs for controversial new museum building

Campaigners from York Central Action say that the deferral of a planning decision for the National Railway Museum's controversial new central hall building gives the museum a golden opportunity to make peace with local residents and demonstrate their commitment to working with citizens of York to improve the public access arrangements through the new building.

Press Release 26 July 2022

From York Central Action, a citizen’s action group formed in 2016.

 Campaigners from York Central Action say that the deferral of a planning decision for the National Railway Museum's controversial new central hall building gives the museum a golden opportunity to make peace with local residents and demonstrate their commitment to working with citizens of York to improve the public access arrangements through the new building.

 To help get the conversation started members of York Central Action – a coalition of community groups – have put together four alternative access arrangements, NRM Alternatives all of which could provide public access outside of museum opening hours, and only require small changes to the current proposed design. “Many of us have been regular visitors to the museum in the past and support its desire to expand, but not at such a huge cost to the local community. The inspector at the public inquiry into the closure of Leeman Road was highly critical [see editor's note below] of the public access arrangements and we're surprised the museum hasn't made any alterations to take account of the issues he raised,” says Patrick Kelly from York Central Action.  

 The group have sent their designs to Judith McNicol, Director of the National Railway Museum, and requested that she meets with them to discuss how public access could be improved to allow access 24/7 all year round. In addition they have shared their designs with council leaders and the planning committee, asking them to help in finding a solution.

 The current proposed design for the new central hall will only allow public access during museum opening hours, and restricts who is allowed access, crucially preventing access for some disabled people and anyone using a cycle (even if they are pushing it). “The proposed alternative route is nearly double the distance and will likely feel unsafe at night. It's not what you'd expect in a city that aspires to be a leader in environmentally friendly travel and is the home of Active Travel England,” says Chris Barrett from York Central Action.   

Quote from Mr Paul Singleton, the Government Inspector heading up the public inquiry into the stopping up of Leeman Road, regarding the Walkway Agreement:

 “The applicants accept that the pedestrian route through the extended National Railway Museum, as set out in the Walkways Agreement, has its shortcomings. Having reviewed all of the evidence on this matter I find that those shortcomings are significant in scale. In my view they are likely to operate so as to render this route of only limited assistance in mitigating the effect of the partial stopping up on local residents and others working or visiting the area who currently rely upon Leeman Road as a quick and direct route to the Station and the City Centre.”

Contacts: 

Patrick Kelly 07914403577

Chris Barrett 07730558161

NRM Alternatives