The University of York has signed a 15 year lease of the Guildhall.

Restoration and redevelopment of the Guildhall began in September 2019, following significant investment by City of York Council and is expected to be completed at the end of October 2021. The University of York will begin the lease when the building works complete in the autumn.

The Guildhall is one of the city's most prestigious and historically significant buildings. The complex contains a collection of Grade I, II* and II listed buildings.

The Guildhall is currently closed to allow for restoration work to complete, which will offer:

• High quality (business) office, meeting and events space

• Availability for community, civic and council use

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• A café

• A new riverside restaurant

• Access for visitors and local residents

Due to the Guildhall's central riverside location, use of the waterway has been critical for the delivery of materials to site, avoiding the City centre streets. The Canal & River Trust enabled contractors Vinci to use the river to erect an on-site tower crane as part of construction efforts. The project has now reached a crucial milestone with heavy construction work completed, the tower crane is currently being dismantled by a 100 tonne crane that is in place on a barge beside the River Ouse.

Funding for the £21.7m restoration and redevelopment work was provided by York City Council, the York and North Yorkshire LEP and West Yorkshire Combined Authority through respective HMG Growth Deal contributions and the Getting Building Fund.

The building will be leased to York Science Park (YSPL), a subsidiary of the University of York. York Science Park offer support for entrepreneurs and start-ups looking to grow.

The newly refurbished Guildhall will provide greater access to local residents, through the creation of a new restaurant and public space, and members of the public will be invited to a series of scheduled events, offering an opportunity to learn more about the history of the building. More details will be announced over the upcoming months as the restoration works near completion.