The chronic under use of York’s’ iconic Guildhall is set to be considered by the new Council when it meets in June.
The building has been empty now for over 2 years.
How we reported the plans on 15th December 2011
A few months ago Labour – with Green party support – decided to go ahead with a £9.2 million project to turn the historic building and adjacent offices into a Digital Media Centre.
Anything other than a Lab/Green majority after the May 7th election is likely to see that decision rescinded.
Even if the project does go ahead, and funding can be found, any new use will not commence before 2017.
In the interim around £100,000 is to be spent on essential repairs to the buildings
Even an empty Guildhall costs taxpayers £120,000 a year with much if it going on Business Rates, heating and lighting.
In the interim the building has mostly been empty with limited public access. It appears that the renovation and increased public access at the adjacent Mansion House will not prompt a similar approach to the historic Guildhall itself.
According to the Council Leader most of the temporary uses for parts of the Guildhall buildings have been restricted to the provision of accommodation at taxpayers expense for partner organisations such as the “consultancy JMP who are delivering a council itravel contract, Adult Education who used the annex between Sept and Dec 2014, the Tour d Yorkshire team have an office there and space is used for theatre group rehearsals ahead of performances booked in the main hall / council chamber”.
All in all, a highly unsatisfactory fate for such an important and ideally located asset.
At the moment officials are believed to be hawking the building around the City in the hope of finding a short term occupier.