Modern Clementhorpe

Employment in the late twentieth century

A further stage in the development of Clementhorpe took place in the late twentieth century, when substantial redevelopment took place. This involved demolition of some of the worst housing and clearance of some intrusive industrial sites, to provide space for new dwellings. At the same time, most of the old housing stock was modernised.

By the time of the 2011 Census, our area had 1,539 residents in 840 households. Only 4.6% of the workforce now worked in manufacturing (6.7% of men and 2.4% of women). This proportion was lower than that of the built-up area of York, which totalled 6.5% (9.6% of men and 3.2% of women).

The largest proportion of the workforce (28.7%) was employed in education or health and social care (18.4% for men and 39.5% for women), followed by 14.7% in wholesale/retail (13.3% for men, 16.2% for women).

Only 11.6% of men and 9.3% of women described themselves as working in ‘elementary occupations’, i.e. unskilled roles. The highest proportion, for both men and women, at around 30%, was in professional occupations.

Of the 1,264 residents who were economically active, 112 (8.9%) were self-employed and 59 (4.7%) were unemployed.

These figures are a remarkable contrast with those of a century earlier. The proportion of self-employed was much higher in the days before ‘big business’, and unemployment did not officially exist, though the poorest in society might well end up in the workhouse.

The modern scene

By this time (2011) all the area’s large-scale manufacturing had ceased. Business activities were largely confined to Bishopgate Street and Bishopthorpe Road, being retail and associated businesses such as restaurants and coffee shops, and a number of personal and business services such as hairdressers, solicitors and property agents. Other business activities included the pubs, caravan park, guest houses and holiday rentals.

The area once occupied by Terry’s, together with the Chemical Manure Works and Boat Yard, now form The Postern residential development. The Slip Inn has been incorporated into the development, and Clementhorpe [the road] remains the southern boundary as it has through history. The ancient route across the site via Cherry Hill Lane has been retained as a ‘snickleway’. Terry Avenue runs continuously alongside the Ouse, with the elimination of the old Slip Bridge. The site of the warehouse behind Bishopgate Street is now occupied by six houses.

To the south, the Co-op premises have been partly demolished and partly converted. The site is now occupied by Waterside House and Duke’s Wharf, together with their access and parking areas.

This is the view at the rear of Waterfront House. The cars are parked roughly where the bakery was located. Just off the right of the photo would have been the coal depot, and we are looking towards the horse keeper’s house. (Photo by John Stevens, June 2018)

Parkside Commercial Centre, off Terry Avenue has been demolished. A planning application was approved in October 2016 to build a 97-bedroom apart-hotel. The four-storey development of apartments and suites will be a £20 million addition to the Roomzzz chain. It is scheduled to open in 2019.

During the planning stages of this development local residents raised a number of on-going concerns relating to the liability of the site to flood, the bulk of the proposed buildings and the generation of additional traffic.[1]

Work on the Roomzzz apart-hotel in August 2018. (Photo by John Stevens, September 2018)

Clementhorpe Maltings, on Lower Darnborough Street, was converted into six dwellings, called ‘The Malt House’, following a design by Mesh Architects.

A view of the Maltings looking west. (Photo by John Stevens, June 2018)

DeLittle’s print works on the corner of Vine Street and Teck Street was demolished following approval of a planning application in September 2001. Ten apartments in two blocks were constructed, and are now known DeLittle Court Nos. 1-10.

DeLittle’s as it is today. (Photo by John Stevens, June 2018)

 

The wood yard as it is today. (Photo by John Stevens, June 2018)

The wood yard adjacent to 51 Vine Street, was the subject of a successful planning application in November 2000. Six flats were subsequently erected, and the block is now called Woodyard Mews, facing onto Vine Street and numbered 1-6.

Terry Avenue looking south. The Postern is on the right, with the pointed gable of Waterside House, once the Co-operative Society Works, in the background.  (Photo by John Stevens, March 2018)

Looking towards the river in Clementhorpe. The boat yard would have been on the left, with the Slip Inn further down the slope. (Photo by John Stevens, March 2018)

Terry Avenue looking south. On the right are the new houses of The Postern . On the left lies Waterside House, converted from the old Co-operative Society building. (Photo by John Stevens, April 2018)

The scene today as viewed from near the Blue Bridge. It is hard to believe that this view would, until recently, have been largely one of industrial activity. (Photo by John Stevens, May 2018)

Compare these views of Clementhorpe with older views. Skeldergate Bridge is in the right background of the lower picture; the rest of the view is entirely residential – even the boat. (Photos by John Stevens, May 2018)

One of the few signs of modern business in the area away from Bishy Road. (Photo by John Stevens, June 2018)

[1] See, for example http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/14811412.__10m_Roomzzz_hotel_in_Terry_Avenue_set_for_approval__despite_concerns/.