15 Years Of York - Part 1

It is over 15 years since we moved to York.

So I have experienced a changing city at the start of this century. There has been much change. York is not typical, indeed some geographers have included it in a "virtual south-east" where the influence of London [to where many commute on a daily basis, including both Danielle and I at times] out weighs more traditional influences [like where the place is actually, not virtually, located]. There is a constant change of population linked to further education and tourism, and a vibrant economy.

Anyway, here are some of the changes.

The Sugar Beet Factory that produced a fugg of beet-smell, and a trail of trucks and tractors each "campaign" has closed. The site is to become new housing.

The Railway Carriage Works that was producing wagons when we first moved in, has shut too.

The Rowntree Factory, now Nestle, has reduced in size with some of the site being redeveloped.

Terry's chocolate works, the other Quaker business in York, shut the factory ceasing to make Chocolate Oranges there, and ceasing to perfume the air with lovely cocoa.

Two new business parks have opened, one on old railway land.

New cycle routes have been opened throughout the city, including one across Hob Moor outside our house, and one over the Ouse alongside the ring-road.

The large designer outlet centre at Nab urn has opened [people come from far far away to visit]

The large retail park at Monks Cross [he's probably furious] has opened and will soon get a John Lewis store.

The University of York have opened a huge second campus, including a sports village with a cycle track, and lots of other new sporting facilities.

The University of York St John [a separate institution] has gone from strength to strength and become a major player in the city.

Cliffords Tower