The council has welcomed news that the National Railway Museum has agreed to additional hours of pedestrian access through Central Hall, once major works are complete and it is open to the public
Central Hall is the National Railway Museum’s brand new welcome building. It will include a welcome and orientation hall, a café overlooking the new museum square, a shop, and a new gallery that explores and imagines the future of railways.
As part of the permissions for the redevelopment of the area, access was agreed for the public to walk through the museum during opening hours. A new pedestrian, cycle and road route was also approved. The existing Walkway Agreement in place between City of York Council and NRM, which governs the use of the walkway by pedestrians during NRM’s normal opening hours, is unchanged and will come into effect when Central Hall opens to the public.
The local community requested that the hours of access be reviewed to make it available outside museum opening hours.
A separate agreement has now been confirmed for outside of the museum opening hours, meaning pedestrians will also be able to use the agreed route through Central Hall from 7.30am and 10.00am, and 5.00pm to 7.00pm, unless the Museum has an event. This agreement is for the first three years after Central Hall opens, after which it will be reviewed.
Councillor Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council said:
This is good news for Leeman Road area residents and I want to thank everyone who has helped make this happen.
“I am grateful to the National Railway Museum for working with us to find an improved solution that ensures that people can pass through Central Hall for longer than previously agreed, and particularly during early morning and evening commuting hours.
“Central Hall at the NRM is one of many fantastic elements that will form the York Central development. These changes have been achieved through partnership working and the community coming together to find a better way forward. York Central is a huge opportunity for our city and we are excited for what lies ahead.”
Judith McNicol, Director of the National Railway Museum said:
I’m really pleased we have reached an agreement with the Council and people of York to allow a greater level of access through Central Hall.
"As one of the last things I’ve achieved before I step down as Director of the National Railway Museum, I hope this leaves behind a positive message for our local visitors in particular, and helps them to enjoy their day and the museum.”