Structural engineering works completed on £18m office block conversion

Structural and Civil engineering consultancy, Dudleys, has completed works on the £18m redevelopment of the former Aviva building in York city centre to deliver a new 150-bed hotel for Malmaison.

Leeds-based Dudleys delivered full Structural Engineering consultancy services for widespread alternations to the existing concrete frame of the 29,000 sq ft landmark building, a rear extension, as well an upwards extension for a new Sky Bar on the roof.

Yorkshire House on Rougier Street was originally built in 1962 and refurbished in 2000 before being sold by Aviva.

North Star – with funding from Lothbury Investment Management – set out to convert the building for occupancy by Malmaison with North Star also acting as main contractor, working with Dudleys, DLG Architects and Martin Design Associated, to deliver the project.

The building is in a sensitive location, in front of the listed Grand Hotel, close to important monuments and next to the River Ouse.

Extensive consultation was required with Historic England and City Planners to approve the plans and validate the change of use.

Paul Brownlow, director at Dudleys said: “The conversion of Yorkshire House was a sensitive project given its prominence and tight city centre location.

“Balancing the structural integrity of the building with the client requirements for open plan rooms was a challenge as well as working within a flood risk strategy.

“We delivered a solution to open the spaces from boxed in offices with minimised structural intervention using lightweight techniques.

“A particularly impressive part of the project was the sky bar extension where the floor was recessed to lower the standing area for bar staff so that clients can look over them towards the Minster.

“It is great to see this building revitalised with a stunning internal reconfiguration and in operation by such an aspirational brand.”