A hi-tech vision of plans that could see a historic park in a North Yorkshire town transformed will be revealed to the public next month.
We are considering ways to regenerate Selby Park and is inviting local people to share their opinions on what they would like to see happen.
Forming part of the Selby Abbey Quarter, which also includes the marketplace, Micklegate, Station Road and the bus station, Selby Park dates back to 1930s and was originally part of the grounds of Selby Abbey. It includes features such as a bowling green, bandstand and war memorial.
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has allocated us £150,000 from its Mayoral Investment Fund to allow us to carry out development work for regeneration projects in the Abbey Quarter, including Selby Park.
Next month, there will be a chance for people to see the potential designs created by Align Property Partners, our multi-disciplinary building design consultancy, with a public drop-in event being held at the abbey on 8 February between 10am and 3pm.
Participants will be given hi-tech virtual reality headsets, thanks to a link-up with the company, Digital Urban.
Using 3D modelling, people will be fully immersed virtually in the area, enabling them to experience just how it might look for themselves and make suggestions. The findings will then be used to finalise the designs and feed into future regeneration plans and funding applications for Selby.
Our executive member for open to business, Cllr Mark Crane, is passionate about the town and wants as many people as possible to have their say on the proposed scheme.
Cllr Crane, who led the former Selby District Council, said: “Selby Park is an important asset to the town, but it certainly has potential for improvement.
“We are looking at proposals that would protect and showcase the heritage of the area, while enhancing the leisure facilities and amenities within it. Subject to funding, the ultimate aim is to create an exciting and attractive park that is accessible to all sectors of the community.
“These plans will give those who come to the consultation an idea of just what could be possible, and I would encourage everyone to come along and have their say.”
The director of Digital Urban, Simon Maybey, said the 3D headsets would give people an entirely different perspective, when compared to standard consultations.
He said: “Using the latest virtual reality technology, visitors will be able to walk around and explore the park as a group and see examples of some of the design ideas.
“Alongside the VR technology, we will have several desktop versions running with gamepad controllers so you can choose your avatar and explore the park as a pedestrian, switching between design ideas and collecting tokens as you go. There will also be an interactive media table to support group discussions.
“This suite of technology tools really helps to create a fun and exciting engagement process.”
The member for the Selby East Division, Cllr Jack Proud, said: “I am excited to see Selby at the forefront of projects in North Yorkshire.
“There are lots of initiatives ongoing to promote the town and understand how we can improve areas that may have been previously neglected and I hope everyone takes part in this consultation and has their say.”
The vicar of Selby Abbey, the Rev Canon John Weetman, gave his backing to the scheme.
He said: “Selby is fortunate in having a public park in the centre of the town - a few steps away from the abbey, the market place and the town centre shops, as well as the bus and rail stations.
“Despite such a central location, the park often seems to go unnoticed and is underused by both locals and visitors alike. Any ideas and actions to improve its appearance and facilities will be very welcome to enhance what is on offer at the heart of the town.”
The redevelopment of Selby Park is just one initiative aimed at improving the lives of people in the area.
We were allocated £25.4 million from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund project which will place Selby Rail Station at the heart of new housing and employment developments through cycling and walking routes to the town centre and housing sites.