Architects challenged to revamp historic landmark

Registered architects are invited to develop their ideas for the Guildhall, the associated office accommodation, river frontage and boat yard, as part of a competition, run by The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Coun Julie Gunnell, cabinet member for corporate services, of York Council, said: “The Guildhall and associated spaces are a significant part of York’s cultural and civic history and we want to ensure that it can continue to 
play a key role in the city in the future.

“Independent assessment of the site confirms that significant development and modernisation of elements of the complex will be necessary to make the most of the buildings and riverside area for the future.”

While the Guildhall remains an enduring reminder of life from the medieval era, much of the current building had to be rebuilt after it was damaged during a German bombing raid on the night of April 26, 1942.

York Council is due to move into new multi-million pound headquarters at West Offices, built in the 1840s as the original railway station and station hotel, and the future use of the Guildhall has yet to be determined.

Architects are being invited to put forward ideas which will get the maximum use from the Guildhall site and riverside to realise its full potential. .

Coun Dave Merrett, the council’s cabinet member for transport, planning and sustainability, said: “We hope that by inviting ideas from architectural practices across the world, the city will see the benefits that could be realised from a range of high quality and innovative options for the Guildhall and adjacent riverside towards Lendal bridge.”

Architect Keith Williams, chair of the jury panel and RIBA advisor said: “This is an ideas competition.  

“Nevertheless, it represents an intriguing and testing challenge to architects to balance successfully the sensitive nature of York’s historic riverside with inspirational proposals that will show how this extraordinarily rich complex of buildings and spaces may be transformed.”

A judging panel appointed to oversee the competition and choose a winner will include: Mr Williams; Coun Gunnell and Coun Merrett; a city business representative; Darren Richardson, the council’s newly-appointed director of city and environmental services and David Warburton, head of design conservation and sustainable development at the authority.

York Boat and the Civic Trust are sponsoring the competition which is offering winning candidates a first prize of £5,000, together with several runner-up cash prizes.

The competition submission deadline is Tuesday, November 6 and the results will be announced early December.

For more details about the competition or to enter visit www.architecture.com/competitions

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