A practical guide for decision-makers

York City Walls: CMP and Design Guide

A Conservation Management Plan for the City Walls

One of the defining features of York’s historic townscape, York City Walls is an essential piece of civic infrastructure and a major tourist attraction. The City of York Council commissioned us to produce a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) that outlines the conservation philosophy and principles for continued use of the monuments.

Our targeted research, in tandem with the site surveys and extensive stakeholder engagement, unlocks informed decision-making that appropriately balances repair, conservation, restoration and adaptation, alongside offering a strong framework for the Walls’ future management.

The CMP sets out an illustrated history of the Walls including timelines as well as a comprehensive site survey – presented as an illustrated gazetteer – describing the condition of the City Walls, their visual appearance, orientation and signage, lighting and changes to their setting. It sets out a series of objectives, principles and recommendations for the conservation and management of the walls to enable future adaptation to meet modern visitor requirements without compromising what makes it unique. The guidance focused on the repair and conservation of the built fabric to maintain and enhance the significance of the monuments, factoring in evidential, historical, aesthetic and cultural values.

We were subsequently commissioned to produce a summary document for the Council’s website to explain how the walls are managed by the City of York Council.

York City Walls (c) Olivia Brabbs, for City of York Council

A Design Guide for decision-makers and tenants

Building on our Conservation Management Plan, City of York Council commissioned us to produce a visual and practical guide for repair and alteration. Aimed at decision-makers, tenants and anyone involved in the care of this significant public asset, the guide first establishes a series of conservation principles, to guide change, including minimal intervention, rationalization of previous ill-considered additions, reversibility, and ensuring longer-term sustainability of the walls as a public asset. It outlines practical information on often complex consent processes and explores how to maximise a site’s potential and positive impact on a range of design scenarios from street furniture, change of use, to public and private advertising.

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