PLANS for a new public square in the name of the Queen are to be showcased at York Minster.

The proposed creation of a new public space, the Queen Elizabeth Square in York city centre, will be the city's first public square that has been dedicated to Her Majesty in almost 200 years.

The plan to improve the space adjacent to the western front of York Minister includes a life-sized statue of the Queen, a café with outdoor seating, a new ticket office and welcome centre and improved public seating.

The space around York Minister will also be pedestrianised, landscaped and designed for all-year round use.

Planner say it will also become a space for major events, including the annual Christmas markets.

Director of works and precinct at York Minster, Alex McCallion, said the plan 'worked with' immediate neighbours of the Minster.

He said: "The future of the Minster Precinct is hugely important to many people, particularly to those who live and work in the neighbourhood.

"An early outcome from last year’s consultation was the establishment of a neighbourhood forum to ensure that any proposals are viable, sustainable and appropriate for the precinct and the local area. The York Minster Precinct Neighbourhood Forum was formally adopted by City of York Council in March. Chaired by local resident Mark Calvert, the forum is now 39-strong and will ensure the Neighbourhood Plan is community-led.”

As part of a two-day event, the proposals went on display at York Minster's South Piazza on Friday and will close on Saturday, May 18.

Mr McCallion added: "The draft Neighbourhood Plan has become the catalyst for one of the most significant and exciting civic improvement projects anywhere in the country. This is a tremendous opportunity for the city of York to create an outstanding and accessible new public square that draws people to the space and is sympathetic to the city’s history and heritage.”

In May, work commenced on the restoration of York Minster's historic windows. The first-phase in the £11m conservation project will see windows, that date from the early 1400s removed, treated and restored. A draft of the Queen Elizabeth Square plans are available online until Sunday at masterplanning.yorkminster.org.uk.