YORK could be an official World Heritage site within seven years, after city leaders vowed to press ahead with their plans.
Officials at City of York Council say it will be “difficult, but not impossible” for York to get on to a new UK tentative list of possible sites but say that, if accepted, the city would be almost guaranteed recognition by the United Nations by 2016.
The city’s hopes had looked bleak last December, when the UN said Britain already had its fair share of World Heritage sites, but the Government has now announced that all existing sites must re-apply for status, giving York a fighting chance.
Public consultation has shown strong support in York for the idea, and the council believes status could be pursued and achieved for about £250,000 over the next few years, rather than the £470,000 suggested by consultants.
Former Lord Mayor of York Janet Hopton, who instigated the bid in 2006/7, said: “We feel we have a very strong case for York. It’s an area of universal outstanding importance.” She said a bid would need to be drawn up by July for inclusion on the new UK list, to give York a chance of gaining full status by 2016.
Council leader Andrew Waller warned: “It’s an international organisation that sets the list in the end, so we are competing against other continents. I think we should go into this with our eyes wide open that it is a very competitive environment.
“I am hopeful, but not blindly optimistic.”
York officials have been buoyed by a study in Edinburgh, which showed the Scottish capital had benefited significantly from its World Heritage status, achieved in 1995. John Oxley, archaeologist for planning and sustainable development at the council, said there was “significant public support” for the idea of making York a World Heritage site.
He said: “If York wishes to pursue World Heritage status, now is the time to do it. Once a new tentative list is created, it will be in place until at least 2022.”
He said the steering group set up to look at the idea strongly supported York bidding for the accolade.“It believes that the benefits that would accrue to York through enhancing the level and quality of tourism, attracting and retaining businesses and students, protecting York’s heritage, and raising of civic pride outweigh the costs that might be incurred,” he said.
Mrs Hopton said: “This is not exactly our last chance, but it’s our last chance for a very long time.”
She said World Heritage status would boost York’s economy and its civic pride.
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