A POPULAR tourist destination could move up a league and become one of the great European cities, a report says.

York should embrace a strategy of "smart" growth, developing the local economy while providing more affordable housing, better public transport and a wider range of job opportunities.

It also says a major new tourist attraction, a proper bus station and World Heritage status for the walled city are all needed.

The report, A New Vision for York, has been produced by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and is intended to stimulate debate about the city's future.

After comparing York with Bath, Chester, Exeter and Norwich, it suggests that the city is not doing enough to fulfil its potential as the gateway to Yorkshire for tourists. It says York is short on attractions, and needs a new visitor attraction, possibly science-based.

Consultants talked to local residents and organisations over six months before producing the report.

The authors say their underlying message is that York could achieve sustainable growth beyond current planned levels and tackle its underlying problems of a lack of affordable housing, traffic congestion and social exclusion.

Their report suggests 25 outcomes that could be used as the basis for a vision for York.

They include a significantly-upgraded transport system with a bus station, a medium-sized venue for the performing arts, new college facilities, with more provision for the community, and an expanded evening economy and nightlife. A lighter idea is a park and fly scheme for when cars are obsolete.