The accolade of Commercial Development of the Year was presented at the 2022 Yorkshire Post Excellence in Business Awards to the restoration and remodelling of the Medieval York Guildhall, led by Burrell Foley Fischer. The award citation reads:
“While up against some truly impressive competition in this category, judges believed The Guildhall project was a deserving winner for the way in which a landmark Yorkshire building has been given a new lease of life that will provide it with an exciting future for generations to come.”
The Guildhall complex is owned by City of York Council and is made up of Grade I, II* and II listed buildings built around a large 15th-century Guild Hall. The refurbishment and remodelling has provided a world class venue, supporting and nurturing the expansion of York’s vibrant creative businesses; combining events and exhibition space with state-of-the-art collaboration and co-working facilities in the heart of a historic and creative city, securing a sustainable future for one of its most iconic buildings.
The main hall suffered significant bomb damage during the second world war and since its reopening in 1960 had received only reactive repairs, putting the building at risk. The project has secured the future of the Guildhall complex, through the delivery of an economically viable and sustainable scheme. It has delivered a comprehensive (once in 100 years) refurbishment of the complex, together with new build interventions as necessary to re-purpose the complex for its new use.
Best practice conservation principles have been adopted, in terms of the approach to enhancing and better revealing the significance of the heritage assets, whilst incorporating modern servicing and amenity requirements. A Water Source Heat Pump provides sustainable green energy from the adjacent River Ouse, lowering running costs and reducing carbon emissions.
The works were completed successfully despite the challenges of the covid-19 pandemic and significant engineering challenges given the buildings unique location and heritage. The River Ouse was used to transport equipment and materials to site to avoid construction traffic in York’s narrow historic city centre streets.
The University of York, through York Science Park Ltd, a partnership between the University and City of York Council, has taken a long-term lease on the historic buildings, to create a hub for business, enterprise and events. The new space is enabling the University to bring the innovation and support it offers to local business and enterprise into the heart of York, driving inclusive and sustainable growth in the City as it recovers from the pandemic.