A NEW visitor centre could be built at one of the region’s iconic ruins, as part of a £2m programme of Improvements.

English Heritage has released the design of a new stone and glass visitor centre built at the foot of Clifford’s Tower in York, revealing part of the tower's substantial 19th-century wall, buried since 1935.

Plans also include the installation of a timber structure inside the structure to partially cover the ruin and provide a viewing and activity platform at the top of the tower.

Suspended metal walkways lower down in the tower will give access to previously unseen features at first floor level and improve access to the roof.

The stone tower was built in the mid-13th century, but has stood in ruin since a fire in 1684. The mound beneath it is much older, dating at least to the reign of William the Conqueror.

Jeremy Ashbee, head curator of properties at English Heritage said: “We are investing in one of York’s most iconic landmarks to tell the fascinating history of Clifford’s Tower and its place in the city for generations to come in a way that’s never been told before.

"We’ve been looking at several different options and we welcome members of the public to drop in to the public consultation to find out what we are proposing and for us to get their views.

"Getting an insight from the public will help us in reaching a decision on how we make these improvements to one of York’s most famous and beautiful landmarks. We want to make this a better experience for visitors and staff and we are keen to have the input of York residents.”

A public consultation to discuss the plans will be held at the National Centre for Early Music in Walmgate, York on Thursday, January 21 between 11am and 8pm.