Changes could be made to the redevelopment of the area around Clifford’s Tower in York following concerns about the way a medieval Jewish massacre will be commemorated.
Proposed changes to plans for a memorial for the 1190 Memorial Space within the wider Castle and Eye of York scheme have been drawn up following talks in January.
City of York Council officials said there was scope to adjust elements of the scheme and proposed changes had been drafted following a meeting with York’s Liberal Jewish Community.
And the news follows the approval of plans for the Castle and Eye of York scheme in December.
The project is set to see Castle Car Park turned into a new public space including a park and children’s play area following its closure in the spring.
A new circular path at the base of the mound that Clifford’s Tower stands on top of, an area of planting dubbed The Swathe and a riverside walkway are planned.
It is set to cost an estimated £9.934 million including improvements planned to the neighbouring Coppergate Multi-Storey Car Park following Castle Car Park’s closure.
A memorial marking the death of up to 150 Jews who sought refuge in Clifford’s Tower in 1190 is also planned.
The site holds national and international significance for the Jewish faith due to the pogrom or massacre.
David Staniland, the council’s planning agent, told councillors in December the transformative project aimed to meet the needs and aspirations of different groups of people in a sensitive way.
But Lilian Coulson, of the Liberal Jewish Community, told the planning committee meeting their call for a Peace Garden to commemorate the massacre had been ignored.
Ahead of the meeting, English Heritage head of curator of properties Dr Jeremy Ashbee said the planned 1190 Memorial Space was wholly inadequate.
Council officials met with the Liberal Jewish Community in January to discuss their concerns.
Concerns raised about the space include ensuring it is large enough to accommodate school trips, memorial events and other large gatherings.
They also include making sure the space is clearly defined and respectful and welcoming.
The Liberal Jewish Community’s proposals for a Peace Garden would see an inter-faith space faith created which would focus on 1190 but also speak to broader issues around violence.
Updates to the My Castle Gateway New Public Spaces Open Brief which are now open for feedback include putting the memorial close to the entrance to the site.
They also include making sure those using the space are not interrupted by people walking through it and ensuring it has enough space and seats.
Calls to allow for the laying of stones in commemoration and to create a Peace Garden with links to York’s Human Rights and Sanctuary City statues have also been included.
In a Facebook post on the My Castle Gateway Facebook page, officials said: “The Castle and Eye of York planning application has been approved which sets out boundaries for the scheme, but there is scope to adjust elements to make the space work and feel right.
“Following further ideas and concerns about the 1190 Memorial Space, we are reviewing the Open Brief and how it refers to this area.
“We have worked with interested groups to draft some proposed revisions for the open brief and how to make this memorial space work best.”
People can comment on the proposed changes here.
