The Refurbishment and Remodelling of York Guildhall has been announced as a National Winner in the 2024 Civic Trust AABC Conservation Awards.
The awards recognise projects which demonstrate the highest standards of historic building conservation. The York Guildhall restoration is one of only nine successful National projects and will now receive either an Award or be Highly Commended at the 65th Annual Civic Trust Awards Ceremony in March 2024.
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 Guildhall. The refurbishment and remodelling provides a world class venue, supporting and nurturing the expansion of York’s vibrant businesses; combining events and exhibition space, with supporting café and restaurant offers, with state-of-the-art collaboration and co-working facilities in the heart of a historic and creative city, and securing an economically viable and 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 delivered a comprehensive (once in 100 years) refurbishment of one of York’s most prestigious and historically significant buildings, together with new build interventions as necessary to re-purpose the complex for its new use. Best practice conservation principles have been adopted, 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, significantly 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. Extensive archaeology was undertaken due to the discovery of an old Friary and six bodies during construction. The River Ouse was used to transport equipment and materials to site to avoid construction traffic in York’s narrow historic city centre streets.
Throughout the restoration project, local materials, craftspeople, and sub-contractors were used wherever possible to support local businesses and contribute to the local economic recovery.
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.
“The investment in the Guildhall manifests our city’s ambitions and aspirations in preserving history whilst at the same time embracing the future. This project has taken one of the most important heritage buildings in the UK, one of York’s best-loved historic sites, and has – through excellent design, thoughtful investment and very high quality construction – built a new chapter in York’s future; innovative, environmentally progressive and accessible to all. It’s a building and a legacy that York can be proud of for many years to come.”
— Councillor Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Finance and Performance