High Praise

From left, Chris Hale, S Harrison Developments Ltd, Dr Simon Thurley, chief executive of English Heritage and Bill Woolley, deputy chief executive and director of city and environmental services

The Chief Executive of English Heritage, Dr Simon Thurley, gave high praise for the West Offices scheme following a visit to the building earlier this month (April 2012).

Dr Thurley said the development was a "national model" for the way older buildings can be brought back into use.  He praised the developer for their "respect and sensitivity" towards the building's heritage by the way a new open-plan structure has been created within the envelope of the existing building without compromising the building's integrity.

Besides providing a modern future for the historic building, Dr Thurley thought West Offices will provide "a fantastic headquarters for the city".

Leading by example

To demonstrate the council's commitment to renewable energy, West Offices has been fitted with solar panels (Photo Voltaic panels). 

The PV panels will contribute to score the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of the building as class 'A', which is the highest rating that can be achieved.  Adding the PV panels will also help to ensure that the BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), which is a voluntary measurement rating for green buildings, is also rated as very good and possibly excellent.

The panels have been installed onto the south facing slopes of the central roof and comprise of 208 panels, with 16 panels in pairs on 13 of the 17 bays.

Councillor Julie Gunnell, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, said: "This is a major achievement for a building of this type and will out perform typical newly built buildings. The move to the new building will not only save council tax payers at least £17m over the next 25 years, but will also enable us to work more efficiently and effectively, providing a one-stop-shop for customers wanting to access council services. The initiative will also see the council move from 16 buildings to just two." 

Archaeological discoveries 

 
The location of West Offices is the site of York's first railway station and is also in an area of historical significance. 

Earlier in the project over 1,000 visitors attended an open weekend to view the excavations from an archaeological dig to learn more about the site and importance of discoveries made.  These included the remains of a Roman bath house (PDF), coins and pottery. The excavations are now covered over once again preserved for future generations to rediscover.

Partners to share space at West Offices

One of the many benefits of the move to West Offices is the opportunity to work more closely with partner organisations.  We are currently talking to partners from within the health, police and voluntary sectors on how we can work together and share our modern and efficient office space.