A NEW temporary entrance is set to open at one of York's major attractions, with aims to make arriving at the facility much easier.
National Railway Museum (NRM) announced the new entrance in Hudson Boulevard - going through the museum's South Yard, next to Station Hall, home to the museum's collection of railway vehicles and restored objects - will be operational later this month.
The new entrance has step-free access, will be signposted, and a what3words location will be available, a museum spokesperson said, adding that the move is part of its wider ongoing redevelopment plans and has been in the works for eight months.
As reported by The Press, earlier this year the NRM acknowledged concerns about a longer walk visitors to the attraction faced when entering an existing temporary entrance in Leeman Road, farther around the perimeter of the site.
Whilst some visitors welcomed that route as manageable and well-signposted, others suggested additional measures to help make the walk more comfortable for all who attend.
The existing walking route to the NRM takes visitors around the site perimeter (Image: Newsquest)
NRM said it is working towards the opening of a new Central Hall, which will become the permanent main entrance, providing level access for visitors for the first time in the museum’s history.
The work is being undertaken at the same time as the development of York Central, a 45-hectare regeneration scheme aimed at creating a new city quarter with homes, public spaces and commercial development.
An NRM spokesperson said: "Throughout this period, we continue to listen carefully to feedback from visitors and colleagues and use these insights to help inform improvements across the site.
"During our transformation, we continue to focus on improving access, wayfinding and overall visitor experience.
"As part of York Central, one of the UK’s largest city centre regeneration projects, we are working closely with all partners to ensure safe and accessible routes to the museum.
"We are delighted to open this new, temporary entrance, which will make arriving at the museum easier for many visitors during this important phase of redevelopment.
"We would like to thank visitors for their continued support and patience as we invest in the museums' future and create new opportunities to discover the story of railways past, present and future."