A new era for York’s historic Guildhall was agreed last month when the council granted planning permission for it to be revived and redeveloped.
Now the practical details of what that will mean have been set out in a report for councillors.
At a meeting of the executive of Thursday March 16 they will be asked to approve the business case for the plans. The investment is just short of £13 million, broken down as follows:
That will be funded by a £2.3m Leeds City Region grant, £1.7m from the council up front, and £8.68m of new borrowing.
What will that buy? Well, we’re glad you asked…
The new facilities
Events space
The Guildhall will offer a space and meeting rooms for civic and ceremonial events with
- an increased licensed capacity up from 200 to 300-plus
- improved toilet facilities
- modern heating and lighting, audio visual and data services.
A café / bar unit
The café with outside space and roof bar would be located off Common Hall Yard. It is aimed at tourists, visitors to the Mansion House and Guildhall, and businesses who used the complex.
The café operator would be charged £25K rent per year.
A restaurant
The 500sq m restaurant facing on to the river is “a key feature of the scheme and a vital commercial element”.
It would be offered on a 25-year lease, on a £180,000 annual lease.
Offices
The total office space is 1,300sq m. It will be offered on an all-inclusiev rental basis as serviced office accommodation.
There will also be a business club with individual desks and work booths to rent in shared office space.
City of York Council will manage the complex, apart from the restaurant to ensure it retains as much income as possible. You can read the full report at the City of York Council website.