New Buildings In York

Beside the Black Swan a 13th Century building the homeless shelter has been demolished and a brand new glass, steel and brick building has been erected for Hiscox Insurance company. One of the notable features in the roof of the building, a living green roof and some of the staff have been trained in beekeeping to look after the bee hives that have been placed on the roof.

As I was walking into town this morning I came across this family of geese feeding on the grass in front of the little Asda in Layerthorpe.

I came across them later on holding up the number 11 bus at Foss islands bridge. Fortunately, all the traffic was very patient as they crossed the road and carried on down the path beside the River Foss.

Quite a while since I posted anything and some parts of York have changed. Some of the changes will follow over the coming days. However first I plan to start with some photos of the flooding that occurred in York at the end of last year when the pumps on the Foss barrier failed causing several million pounds worth of damage. There are some businesses in Fossgate and Walmgate that are still not back up and running yet.

  

Foss Islands bridge with DEFRA in the Background 

 

Crossing by Morrisons Supermarket on Foss Islands Road

 

Giant sand bags being brought in by Chinnook helicopter

 

Frankie & Bennies just high enough to escape the flood waters

Majestic Wines hopefully the van engine is just above the water level

 

Mini roundabout between Morrisons and Pets At Home and Homebase under a couple of feet of water.

 

Then and Now - The Splash Palace

This was the affectionately (or maybe not so) known Splash Palace as it was back in October 2008. This was the City Centre Managers office set above toilet facilities that were not very attractive and smelt awful.

Now it has been knocked down and the area has been paved over, opening up the end of Parliament Street and letting in the light.

Holgate Windmill

On the west side of the city as you head out towards Acomb on foot turning left at the Fox public house traffic lights heading uphill on the Acomb Road there is a snicket that heads of to the right that joins Windmill Rise where you will find a small roundabout on which sits the recently restored Holgate Windmill looking spendid with the newly attached sails.The mill was restored by the Holgate Windmill Presevation Society over several years. It is now functioning and able to produce flour.

Approaching windmill from Poppleton Road 

- View from snicket