WORK is about to start on the construction of the coach park for holidaymakers heading for the tourist capital of the North.

During the project, which gets under way on Monday, other significant improvements will also be made to the Union Terrace car park in York.

The project is part of a regeneration package for the area, featuring the relocation of the St John's coach park to part of a redeveloped and modernised Union Terrace car park.

York St John College is building a multi-million pound learning centre on the old St John's coach and lorry park. The coach park is regarded as an important facility, bringing in thousands of visitors to the city and making a vital contribution to the local economy

Planning permission for the revamp - featuring parking spaces for 218 cars, 34 coaches, five minibuses and toilet and reception facilities - was granted by the council's planning committee last year.

The layout of the facility has been designed to meet the criteria for a Secured Car Park award and includes improved lighting and security cameras, as well as landscaped areas. Once the facility is completed it will enable York St John College to progress with its development proposals, for which it has conditional planning permission for the existing coach park site.