York Guildhall

To deliver this vision, the significance of the Guildhall complex has been enhanced and better revealed to users and the general public, adopting innovative approaches to establish the Guildhall itself as the home base for a C21st Guild of digital innovators collaborating across the spectrum of creative, digital and arts sectors.

The core requirement for modern flexible offices and the associated provision of multipurpose space to suit a variety of potential uses as co-working/conferencing/meeting and events/exhibition space has been achieved through sensitive planning and an understanding of the balance between new and existing, volume and space.

By retaining the historic use of the council’s chamber and enhancing public access, the importance of the 600-year-old, direct relationship between the city’s governance, commerce, and culture are not just acknowledged, but remain intrinsically bound together in the future.

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 River Source Heat Pump provides sustainable green energy from the adjacent River Ouse, lowering running costs and reducing carbon emissions.

Within the Guildhall, the University will provide flexible workspace and business support for entrepreneurs and start-ups looking to co-locate, invest and grow. By working in close collaboration with partners they will offer opportunities for businesses to start, innovate and develop through incubator, accelerator and scale-up facilities.