‘It would be a huge loss to the heritage of York’ – Fight is on to save historic building

York Civic Trust has urged planners to save an iconic school building from the bulldozers.

This 1930s art deco building was once a gymnasium – and is the last remaining piece of the former Water Lane High School for Girls.

One of the very few buildings of its type and heritage in the city, it is due to be demolished as part of the plans for the redevelopment of the Burton Stone Community Centre into an extra care facility.

‘A huge loss’

The trust supports the redevelopment of the site and recognises the need for new extra care facilities.

But it is calling for the original sports hall building to be incorporated into redesigned plans.

The recently submitted application is for an extra care facility including 29 apartments, four bungalows and community facilities.

CEO of York Civic Trust David Fraser said:

We strongly feel that this historic building can and should be be retained, if a little more imagination is used.

As the last surviving building from the Water Lane High School and a great example of 1930s art deco design and brickwork, it would be a huge loss to the heritage of York to demolish it.

A redesign of the site could retain the building and secure this heritage asset for future generations, as well as greatly improving the look of the current designs.

Renowned architects FT Penty and JEN Thompson designed the gymnasium building, as well as the grade II listed redbrick Queen’s Building at St Peter’s School.

They were involved with the Regal Cinema on Piccadilly (built in 1937 and demolished in 1989). The Water Lane High Schools for girls was built in 1939.