Staff move out of York Stoneyard ahead of demolition work

York Stoneyard staff are moving out of their old home to allow demolition and building work to begin.

They are moving into the portable buildings that arrived next to York Minster today (Monday).

That will allow for work to begin to transform the Stoneyard, which dates from 1914, into the Technology & Works Hub, one of two new buildings being created by the Minster.

The arrival of the portable buildings “will allow pre-demolition survey work to begin, and will provide essential office and welfare accommodation for the works department which is currently housed in the Minster Stoneyard”, said a spokesperson.

The tech hub is one of two buildings that make up the Minster’s plan to create a £5 million centre of excellence for heritage craft skills.

The other is the Heritage Quad, to be built in part of the gardens of Minster Court and the Deanery’s garages.

York Minster is also applying for permission to convert number 1 Deangate into offices and welfare facilities for its visitor experience staff and volunteers. It is currently used as temporary facilities for some of the Stoneyard trades.

Alex McCallion, director of works and precinct at York Minster, described today as “an exciting milestone in the delivery of the Centre of Excellence and forms part of the enabling works ahead of construction starting in the spring.”