Designs for £12m York Guildhall revamp on show

This artist's impression shows a redeveloped building (left) in the complex facing the river

The latest designs for a £12m redevelopment of York's listed Guildhall have gone on show.

The council has approved a plan for its refurbishment as offices, cafe and a restaurant.

The Grade I and Grade II* listed building, could suffer "permanent and irrevocable" damage if left unchecked, according to a council report.

The council moved its offices out of the complex in 2013 although full council meetings are held there.

The Guildhall, which sits alongside the River Ouse, was originally built in the 15th Century but had to be extensively rebuilt after being destroyed by fire in an air raid in 1942.

Historic England has said the complex could soon be considered "at risk" if no future use is found, it adds.

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This cut-away artist's impression shows the new layout with the Guildhall getting a new roof and under-floor heating

The council will need to borrow £10m for the scheme but has said it could generate 120 new jobs.

If approved, work could start in 2017 and be finished by autumn 2018, the authority said.

It would continue to use the complex for full council meetings and civic events.

The plans are on show inside the Guildhall for the public to comment on them.

Plans include space for a courtyard