The Institution of Civil Engineers has revealed a shortlist of pioneering projects that will be recognised at the Yorkshire and Humber Awards in February. Eighteen projects from the region were shortlisted in the awards programme across two categories: the Centenary Award and the Smeaton Award, in recognition of achievement, excellence or innovation in civil engineering.
The Guildhall restoration project has been nominated for the Centenary Award, which is for projects with a total cost in excess of £5 million. Factors taken into account when determining the nominations include value and impact on society, diversity and inclusion, sustainability, health safety and welfare, quality of design, innovation and best practice, difficulty and response, collaboration and excellence in delivery.
Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council, said:
“The Guildhall has been at the centre of York’s social, business and civic life for centuries. This nomination is a testament to the success of bringing new life into one York’s historic and well-loved buildings and the excellent work of all those involved in this project.
Working together with partners, we are bringing one of York’s most historically significant buildings into the 21st century. These works will see this historic building provide innovative space for businesses, civic and council events, as well as improved access for residents and visitors, through the creation of a new restaurant, public space, and events space.”
Progress is continuing at pace with significant repairs and transformation of the Guildhall, helping to safeguard one of York’s most historic buildings.
Councillor Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Finance and Performance at City of York Council, said:
“It is fantastic news that the Guildhall restoration project has been recognised alongside other innovative and excellent achievements in the region.
Through the project, our ambition is to safeguard the future of one of York’s most historic buildings for everyone in the city. By working closely with partners, we have been able to preserve the historic character of the building, whilst also redeveloping the building for business, social and civic uses.
Despite the many challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project teams adapted to new ways of working to maintain progress on the significant project.
This nomination is a great recognition of to the work of the Council and partners in restoring and redeveloping one of York’s most significant buildings.”
Rick Lee, Principal Structural Engineer at Arup, commented:
“Arup, Vinci, Burrell Foley Fischer, SGA Consulting and the City of York Council have worked collaboratively to successfully deliver this challenging project refurbishing the Grade I listed Guildhall complex. The team worked together to overcome many challenges including river deliveries, arresting significant structural movement and last minute adaptations to design to co-ordinate with archaeological discoveries.
The project repurposes the iconic complex by addressing the previous site access constraints by the incorporation of new build elements with complex interfaces with historic fabric. The project secures the future of this site for York, providing new business events and commercial use whilst retaining its civic, community and council use.”