Plan to transform York's Guildhall complex approved

City of York Council vacated the Guildhall complex in 2013

A £9.23m plan to repair and transform York's Guildhall complex has been agreed by councillors.

The proposal includes the creation of a digital media arts centre, restaurant and office space as well as opening up the riverside to the public.

The council said it hoped to have a final design in place by December 2015, allowing work to begin on the site in autumn 2016.

York was designated as a UNESCO City of Media Arts earlier this month.

Council leader Dafydd Williams said: "The proposals being put forward for the Guildhall have the potential to offer York a world-class venue and exhibition space for the creative sector, which is flexible enough to provide sole traders, freelancers, micro businesses and [small and medium-sized enterprises] a chance to thrive and grow in the city."

He said the the development would bring "significant economic benefit" and "secure the future one of York's most iconic buildings".

City of York Council vacated the Guildhall complex last year and moved to a new headquarters in Station Rise though full council meetings are still held on the site every two months.

The Guildhall, originally built in the 15th Century, had to be rebuilt after the original was destroyed by fire in an air raid in 1942.

Peter Brown, director of York Civic Trust said: "The scheme outlined delivers an excellent combination of respect for the city's heritage and a new contribution to the commercial vibrancy of the city centre."