Virtual reality headset to showcase plans for park

Virtual reality headsets will be used to showcase ideas for improvements to a park near Selby Abbey.

North Yorkshire Council plans to hold a public consultation in February on its proposals for Selby Park.

People will be invited to use the headsets to immerse themselves in a virtual version of the park and see different designs for the area, before providing feedback on the plans.

Mark Crane, the council's executive member for open to business, said the scheme "would protect and showcase the heritage of the area while enhancing the leisure facilities and amenities within it".

Situated in the town's Abbey Quarter, Selby Park dates back to the 1930s and was originally part of the grounds of Selby Abbey.

Its features include a bowling green, bandstand and war memorial.

However, despite its central location the park "often seems to go unnoticed and is underused by both locals and visitors alike," according to the vicar of Selby Abbey, the Rev Canon John Weetman.

"Any ideas and actions to improve its appearance and facilities will be very welcome to enhance what is on offer at the heart of the town," he said.

Design proposals for the park have been created by Align Property Partners and produced using 3D modelling.

Crane, who led the former Selby District Council, said the headsets would "give those who come to the consultation an idea of just what could be possible".

Visitors would be able to choose their own digital avatar and collect virtual tokens as they explored the designs using the headset, Simon Maybey, director of technology company Digital Urban, said.

"This suite of technology tools really helps to create a fun and exciting engagement process," he said.

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has given the council £150,000 from its Mayoral Investment Fund to carry out development work for regeneration projects in the Abbey Quarter.

A drop-in event will be held at the abbey on 8 February as part of the consultation.

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