Progress made on multi-million pound restoration scheme
Restoration and redevelopment works on York’s historic Guildhall have continued effectively since social distancing restrictions were put in place last month by the Government.
Funding for the extensive project was agreed last year, enabling it to resume after it was stalled in April 2018.
Councillor Keith Aspden, leader of City of York Council, said: “The Covid-19 crisis poses new challenges to all local authorities, with City of York Council having to adapt quickly to protect residents and deliver vital services.
“Our immediate effort to get vital help to the city’s most vulnerable and support our local communities and businesses has been swift and effective.
“At the same time, we are putting in place the foundation of our recovery. With the help of partners across York and the wider region, we are working to make sure that our city can bounce back from the crisis.
“It is essential for York’s recovery that we continue to work together to deliver key regeneration projects like the Guildhall and York Central.
“These projects are central to our ambitions for inclusive growth, new public spaces and better housing, which are now more important than ever.”
Cllr Nigel Ayre, executive member for Finance and Performance, City of York Council said: “The project has managed to progress whilst implementing government social distancing restrictions and the team has achieved 90% of all scheduled work on site in the last month.
“This project is historically important for the city and one which will have a lasting impact on our city centre economy.
“The new office spaces will allow the next generation of York businesses to start-up and grow, creating new jobs in the city. The innovative vision for the site works both to protect and restore our heritage, and open up new opportunities for our city’s future.”
Over the past month, the site has seen significant progress on the demolition of the old North Range and the removal of debris from the site.
All demolition works on site are soon to be completed and reconstruction of the new North Range will shortly follow, which includes the supporting infrastructure for the North range tower.
The Guildhall restoration began in September 2019, initiating vital restoration and redevelopment of the Grade I, II* and II listed buildings, to offer office space, community use and a riverside restaurant.
The project will bring the Guildhall’s historic business role up to date – creating quality office spaces with the potential to create an estimated 250 jobs in high value sectors. It will also provide a space for community use, events and civic meetings.
The project also seeks to maximise the economic impact of the Guildhall when it reopens in spring 2021– creating £848,000 per annum income following completion and an estimated £117m GVA boost to the city’s economy over the next five years. In addition, the construction phase would contribute 50 additional jobs and £7m gross value added
The project received £2.347m from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, through the Leeds City Region Growth Deal – a £1bn package of Government investment to accelerate growth and create jobs across Leeds City Region.
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