What would you do to the Guildhall?

City of York Council launches a competition to find new uses for the Guildhall.

What do you? Theatre? Permanent indoor market? Cosa Coffee? Artitects are now being asked to propose uses for the ancient Guildhall, as part of an 'Open Ideas' competition, run by The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Entries will be sought from architects putting forward innovative ideas on how the potential of the Guildhall site and riverside could be maximised for the benefit of the city and its residents.

A judging panel appointed to oversee the competition and choose a winner will include award winning and nationally renowned architect Keith Williams, chair of the jury panel and the RIBA advisor; City of York Council cabinet members Councillor Julie Gunnell, Cabinet member for Corporate Services and Cllr Dave Merrett, Cabinet Member for Transport, Planning and Sustainability; a city business representative and Darren Richardson, newly appointed director of City and Environmental Services at City of York Council, and also David Warburton, head of Design Conservation and Sustainable Development at City of York Council.

The first prize is £5000.

Councillor Julie Gunnell, Cabinet member for Corporate Services, City 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."

The competition submission deadline is Tuesday 6 November and the results will be announced early December. For more details about the competition or to enter please visit www.architecture.com/competitions

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