Hi-tech vision of plans to transform Selby Park to be showcased
Members of the public are being invited to see a hi-tech vision of plans that could see a historic park transformed in North Yorkshire.
North Yorkshire Council is considering ways to regenerate Selby Park and are working closely with architects at Align, the authority’s multi-disciplinary building design consultancy.
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 £150,000 from its Mayoral Investment Fund to North Yorkshire Council to carry out development work for regeneration projects in the Abbey Quarter, including Selby Park.
Next month, representatives from the council and Align will be on hand to give communities the chance to see the potential designs for themselves, with a public drop-in event to be held at the abbey on Saturday, February 8 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.
Senior architect at Align, Ben Garfitt, said: “This is a really exciting project and we’re delighted to be bringing it to life working alongside the council and Digital Urban.
“We believe the plans to regenerate Selby Park will make a positive difference to the area, and we would encourage everyone to come along to the interactive events and have your say on the proposals.”
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for open to business, Cllr Mark Crane, who led the former Selby District Council, added: “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.”
For more information about the project, visit North Yorkshire Council’s website at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/news/2025/publics-views-are-sought-future-plans-selby-park.
