Turning clock back as barges bring materials for Guildhall restoration
IN THE Middle Ages the River Ouse was used to bring in stone to build one of the wonders of the age – York Minster.
The river is returning to its traditional use as barges ferry in materials to the city’s £20m Guildhall restoration project.
The vessels will deliver all the steelwork for the construction and floor slabs that would be near impossible to deliver by road.
Travelling between Queen’s Staith and Guildhall, the barges arrive at the original wharf, through which stone for the Minster was delivered centuries ago. The first phase of the work will see pontoons built and a tower crane erected, allowing regular deliveries by river.
The barges will also take away demolition spoil to a waste
HISTORIC: Bringing building materials by barge ‘replicates how York’s architecture developed during the 14th century’.
re-processing facility in Goole, taking more skip lorries off the city’s roads network.
York Council’s executive member for finance and
performance, Coun Nigel Ayre, said: “This is a complex and sensitive restoration project and because of its city centre location, offers a rare and unique opportunity for residents and visitors to watch the Ouse at work, replicating how our architecture was developed during the 14th century.
“It’s wonderful to see the project progressing and our ambitious plans for the future of the site taking shape.”
Restoration work began at the historic site in September – six years after plans to transform the landmark were first put forward in 2013. The renovations will turn the site into office space and conference rooms, with a cafe and a new riverside restaurant also created.
The Guildhall, which dates back to the mid-15th century and was more recently the city council’s headquarters before it moved to West Offices, is due to reopen in spring 2021.