The first businesses have moved into York Guildhall.
York Science Park, a subsidiary of the University of York, has now taken on the lease for the building, which has undergone a huge restoration project funded by City of York Council to the tune of more than £21m.
Around the 15th century core, which has played a key role in the city’s history, new buildings and office space has been created for businesses to set up offices or rent space by the hour for networking.
Professor Charlie Jeffery, university vice-chancellor and president, said he hoped the business support offered to early stage entrepreneurs would lead to the creation of 100 fully fledged companies over the next 15 years.
All offices at the Guildhall are now let, with the new business lounge set to open on May 17. Some office space is set aside at a lower rent for charities or community organisations.
A new cafe, set to open on June 20, is also being run by the university and a riverside restaurant is set to be let separately to another tenant.
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Members of the public are able to get ‘first look’ tours of the building on Friday (May 13), with further tours likely in future.
An opening dinner for business leaders, councillors and organisations which the council want to thank for their work during the pandemic, is to take place on Monday.