HQ’s new look
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| SOFTER?: The revamped design for the council HQ, seen from St Saviour's Place |
THEIR first attempt drew almost universal derision.
Now council chiefs are hoping it's second time lucky, as they try to come up with new headquarters fit for the future.
These new images show the revised designs for City of York Council's £40 million offices at Hungate, off The Stonebow.
A council spokeswoman said the new blueprint was "less boxy, softer and more in keeping with other buildings in the area."
The sharp, unbroken corners and roof-lines have been replaced by a staggered and fluctuating line, while some of the reconstituted stone has been replaced with more natural-looking brick.
The eco-tower has also been reduced in height, and the building's entrance made more prominent.
The building retains its "excellent" environmental rating, but as previously reported in The Press the cost is likely to rise, possibly by up to £3 million.
One local conservationist, Alison Sinclair, who chairs the York Conservation Areas Advisory Panel, today said she remained unconvinced.
She said new buildings in York were not receiving the conservation input they merited, due to council posts being unfilled, and she said her view had not changed despite the new designs.
Coun Ceredig Jamieson-Ball, the council's executive member for corporate services, said the changes were in response to the comments received on the original designs, and said it remained affordable, according to the council model.
He said: "We have managed to take on board a lot of comments that have been made publicly and in response to the original plans. These are obviously modified to include the stonework on the front and more glass, and it has a more open look and less like a concrete box, which is what some people described the old design as.
"But it keeps some of the core aspects of the building, such as the customer centre and one-stop-shop."
In an internal email to staff, the council said: "The design has been modified, with the building set slightly further back from the road. The scale has also been altered by setting back the fourth floor adjacent to the Black Swan Pub, thereby reducing the apparent height of the building."
Labour councillor Paul Blanchard, whose ward neighbours the Hungate site, said: This is a vast improvement on the previous design and it certainly looks like the council has been listening to feedback."
The council is set to submit a planning application later this month, and hopes to move into the new building by 2010.
Have your say
What do you think about the revamped design?
9:09am Saturday 10th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Nomadic, York on 9:15am Sat 10 May 08
So they've just replaced a bit of the brick with a bit of glass. I'm sorry, but it's still an absolute load of ....
So they've just replaced a bit of the brick with a bit of glass. I'm sorry, but it's still an absolute load of ....
Posted by: Rob Marley, Haxby on 9:28am Sat 10 May 08
Absolute proof that the council does not listen to local people.
Spending an horrendous amount of money on a building that isn't necessary. There are numerous empty sites around York with better access and parking that the council could move into with a fraction of the cost.
The council are so very out of touch. The 11% pay rise and backslapping eulogies for Galloway that were mentioned the other day take the biscuit. 'Up' themselves. Many of the real issues that affect York such as rocketing council tax bills, congestion, youth crime problems, poor leisure facilities to name just a few still exist. When the council debates such topics as the selling of Foie Gras in the city, they just show themselves for the bunch of muppetts that they really are.
Absolute proof that the council does not listen to local people.
Spending an horrendous amount of money on a building that isn't necessary. There are numerous empty sites around York with better access and parking that the council could move into with a fraction of the cost.
The council are so very out of touch. The 11% pay rise and backslapping eulogies for Galloway that were mentioned the other day take the biscuit. 'Up' themselves. Many of the real issues that affect York such as rocketing council tax bills, congestion, youth crime problems, poor leisure facilities to name just a few still exist. When the council debates such topics as the selling of Foie Gras in the city, they just show themselves for the bunch of muppetts that they really are.
Posted by: C H, york on 9:39am Sat 10 May 08
So instead of it looking like a nuclear reactor, it now looks like a modern day shopping centre, wow these guys must be proud to live in this city!!!
So instead of it looking like a nuclear reactor, it now looks like a modern day shopping centre, wow these guys must be proud to live in this city!!!
Posted by: Thisisme, my chair on 9:41am Sat 10 May 08
Well with a lot of staff having to hot desk and being shafted with the pay cut.....will there actually be any staff to fit in the building?
A new building will not bring new moral!
Have you seen the strike in Leeds by the Council staff because of the pay cut.
The residents of York I apologise but it is inevitable.
Well with a lot of staff having to hot desk and being shafted with the pay cut.....will there actually be any staff to fit in the building?
A new building will not bring new moral!
Have you seen the strike in Leeds by the Council staff because of the pay cut.
The residents of York I apologise but it is inevitable.
Posted by: Flash, York on 9:50am Sat 10 May 08
Would we know if York council went on strike ?
Would we know if York council went on strike ?
Posted by: BL on 10:01am Sat 10 May 08
Can hardly see the difference! Still a box.
Can hardly see the difference! Still a box.
Posted by: ghost of oscar deutsch on 10:57am Sat 10 May 08
[bold]A council spokeswoman said the new blueprint was "less boxy, softer and more in keeping with other buildings in the area."[/bold]
What!! Is the poor woman blind?
There are amazing examples of modern architecture in many cities, but obviously York fancies the urban 60's carbuncle route.
As for fitting in, with what exactly? The Foss Islands/Morrisons Supermarket.
Yeah, quality architecture there me thinks not.
Ditch the architects as they're obviously not up to the job..
As for the various Councillors opinions, the usual drivel. I mean they're not going to say its cr*p are they?
A council spokeswoman said the new blueprint was "less boxy, softer and more in keeping with other buildings in the area."
What!! Is the poor woman blind?
There are amazing examples of modern architecture in many cities, but obviously York fancies the urban 60's carbuncle route.
As for fitting in, with what exactly? The Foss Islands/Morrisons Supermarket.
Yeah, quality architecture there me thinks not.
Ditch the architects as they're obviously not up to the job..
As for the various Councillors opinions, the usual drivel. I mean they're not going to say its cr*p are they?
Posted by: Not the only one, York on 10:58am Sat 10 May 08
The Steve Galloway Building?? Bland, Boring, and annoying as h*ll - what a legacy!
The Steve Galloway Building?? Bland, Boring, and annoying as h*ll - what a legacy!
Posted by: nasrudin, york on 11:10am Sat 10 May 08
Yeah, can't see much of an improvement -- it looks bad now, and it will age like full fat milk I think. York council really are most impressively inept and unexplainably arrogant with it.
Yeah, can't see much of an improvement -- it looks bad now, and it will age like full fat milk I think. York council really are most impressively inept and unexplainably arrogant with it.
Posted by: Rob Marley, Haxby on 11:16am Sat 10 May 08
[quote]Labour councillor Paul Blanchard, whose ward neighbours the Hungate site, said: This is a vast improvement on the previous design and it certainly looks like the council has been listening to feedback."[/quote]
What planet are you on Mr Blanchard? One full of 'armed geese' presumably?
Labour councillor Paul Blanchard, whose ward neighbours the Hungate site, said: This is a vast improvement on the previous design and it certainly looks like the council has been listening to feedback."
What planet are you on Mr Blanchard? One full of 'armed geese' presumably?
Posted by: ath, York on 11:26am Sat 10 May 08
I think Rob Marley is unfair. At least the Muppets were funny.
I think Rob Marley is unfair. At least the Muppets were funny.
Posted by: ath, York on 11:31am Sat 10 May 08
Yes, Flash, you would notice if the council workers went on strike. There are many people working hard in the council, genuinely for the people of York (I don't work for the council, by the way). It's incompetent Councillors and arrogant, inefficient Senior Management that would not be missed
Yes, Flash, you would notice if the council workers went on strike. There are many people working hard in the council, genuinely for the people of York (I don't work for the council, by the way). It's incompetent Councillors and arrogant, inefficient Senior Management that would not be missed
Posted by: Peter, york on 11:49am Sat 10 May 08
[quote]and arrogant, inefficient Senior Management that would not be missed[/quote]
You missed overpaid
and arrogant, inefficient Senior Management that would not be missed
You missed overpaid
Posted by: Redr, york on 12:24pm Sat 10 May 08
Having worked in many different office environments over the years my first concern when looking at this image is the amount of glass. Time and again designers fail to offer adequate ventilation for the summer months when many modern office buildings become nothing more than giant greenhouses. Windows are designed not to open and air conditioning systems are notoriously temperamental. So apart from the aesthetics and value for money issues the council should also turn over a new leaf and consider the comfort of its staff.
Having worked in many different office environments over the years my first concern when looking at this image is the amount of glass. Time and again designers fail to offer adequate ventilation for the summer months when many modern office buildings become nothing more than giant greenhouses. Windows are designed not to open and air conditioning systems are notoriously temperamental. So apart from the aesthetics and value for money issues the council should also turn over a new leaf and consider the comfort of its staff.
Posted by: slornie, Birmingham/York on 12:35pm Sat 10 May 08
So theyve moved it a little, made the top floor smaller (less space for employees), and changed some of the fascia.
Then they say this will make it more expensive!
Surely it would be better to go right back to the drawing board, instead of tampering with an obviously unsuitable design.
So theyve moved it a little, made the top floor smaller (less space for employees), and changed some of the fascia.
Then they say this will make it more expensive!
Surely it would be better to go right back to the drawing board, instead of tampering with an obviously unsuitable design.
Posted by: larkin, leeds on 1:54pm Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]slornie[/bold] wrote:
So theyve moved it a little, made the top floor smaller (less space for employees), and changed some of the fascia. Then they say this will make it more expensive! Surely it would be better to go right back to the drawing board, instead of tampering with an obviously unsuitable design.[/quote] If I had wanted to build a property like this isore it would be refused planning.
York councils lanning policy was ? a building must be built to fall in with whats around it the same roof coverings simular building materials this is buiolding is not in keeping with historic York!!
Its another STONEBOW WHITE ELEPHANT
slornie wrote:
So theyve moved it a little, made the top floor smaller (less space for employees), and changed some of the fascia. Then they say this will make it more expensive! Surely it would be better to go right back to the drawing board, instead of tampering with an obviously unsuitable design.
If I had wanted to build a property like this isore it would be refused planning.
York councils lanning policy was ? a building must be built to fall in with whats around it the same roof coverings simular building materials this is buiolding is not in keeping with historic York!!
Its another STONEBOW WHITE ELEPHANT
Posted by: unhappy of york, York on 2:05pm Sat 10 May 08
the new HQ is yet another waste of Council Taxpayers' money.
One other point re Cllr Galloway's departure last week. I was gobsmacked to find out the Press on their website took the decision not to allow comments re the article on Galloway's departure in case they were offensive. Why can't the Press allow free speech for those wishing to criticise without swearing whilst moderating only those who go over the edge. Yet another instance where the gap between the media/politicians and the public is forced frustrating ordinary voters because they can't state their case. A disgraceful piece of censorship by the Press's website editor.
the new HQ is yet another waste of Council Taxpayers' money.
One other point re Cllr Galloway's departure last week. I was gobsmacked to find out the Press on their website took the decision not to allow comments re the article on Galloway's departure in case they were offensive. Why can't the Press allow free speech for those wishing to criticise without swearing whilst moderating only those who go over the edge. Yet another instance where the gap between the media/politicians and the public is forced frustrating ordinary voters because they can't state their case. A disgraceful piece of censorship by the Press's website editor.
Posted by: Dave McBridge, York on 3:55pm Sat 10 May 08
Looks like the uni library.
3rd time lucky?
Looks like the uni library.
3rd time lucky?
Posted by: newsboy, York on 5:04pm Sat 10 May 08
As of 5pm Saturday 18 whinging comments but not a single suggestion as to an alternative.Well what do you want the building to look like.
As of 5pm Saturday 18 whinging comments but not a single suggestion as to an alternative.Well what do you want the building to look like.
Posted by: Silver, York on 5:10pm Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]newsboy[/bold] wrote:
As of 5pm Saturday 18 whinging comments but not a single suggestion as to an alternative.Well what do you want the building to look like. [/quote] How about a massive pyramid, the higher you go the more you get paid, the less you do?
newsboy wrote:
As of 5pm Saturday 18 whinging comments but not a single suggestion as to an alternative.Well what do you want the building to look like.
How about a massive pyramid, the higher you go the more you get paid, the less you do?
Posted by: ennoch, York on 5:45pm Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]newsboy[/bold] wrote:
As of 5pm Saturday 18 whinging comments but not a single suggestion as to an alternative.Well what do you want the building to look like. [/quote] How about a radical, cheaper eco option? Use the empty office spaces that are already available! The vast amount of money saved could then be invested into something for the local council tax payers that may also attract the odd tourist. An indoor market perhaps?
newsboy wrote:
As of 5pm Saturday 18 whinging comments but not a single suggestion as to an alternative.Well what do you want the building to look like.
How about a radical, cheaper eco option? Use the empty office spaces that are already available! The vast amount of money saved could then be invested into something for the local council tax payers that may also attract the odd tourist. An indoor market perhaps?
Posted by: Silver, York on 6:07pm Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]ennoch[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]newsboy[/bold] wrote: As of 5pm Saturday 18 whinging comments but not a single suggestion as to an alternative.Well what do you want the building to look like. [/quote] How about a radical, cheaper eco option? Use the empty office spaces that are already available! The vast amount of money saved could then be invested into something for the local council tax payers that may also attract the odd tourist. An indoor market perhaps?[/quote] Or just reduce the council tax by making that saving as you've not had to invest it into a building, bringing back some relief to all of us being over taxed...
ennoch wrote:
newsboy wrote: As of 5pm Saturday 18 whinging comments but not a single suggestion as to an alternative.Well what do you want the building to look like.
How about a radical, cheaper eco option? Use the empty office spaces that are already available! The vast amount of money saved could then be invested into something for the local council tax payers that may also attract the odd tourist. An indoor market perhaps?
Or just reduce the council tax by making that saving as you've not had to invest it into a building, bringing back some relief to all of us being over taxed...
Posted by: the Butler, Cowichan Bay B.C Canada on 6:38pm Sat 10 May 08
Would the council be more efficient in another building, or is it just for, Showing other cities how easy it is to spend public funds?...
Would the council be more efficient in another building, or is it just for, Showing other cities how easy it is to spend public funds?...
Posted by: Cruddass is a muppett on 6:46pm Sat 10 May 08
The proposed new council building is about the same size as galloways ego.
The proposed new council building is about the same size as galloways ego.
Posted by: Cynic, York on 9:08pm Sat 10 May 08
[quote][bold]newsboy[/bold] wrote:
As of 5pm Saturday 18 whinging comments but not a single suggestion as to an alternative.Well what do you want the building to look like. [/quote] Yes, how about build it on a business park somewhere around York - plenty of possible locations including Monks Cross, James Street, Clifton Moor. Then it could actually be big enough and it wouldn't matter if it was an ugly box.
The only bit which does need to be central is the public-facing bit currently next to the library, which could either stay where it is (have they sold it?) or go somewhere else in the city centre.
newsboy wrote:
As of 5pm Saturday 18 whinging comments but not a single suggestion as to an alternative.Well what do you want the building to look like.
Yes, how about build it on a business park somewhere around York - plenty of possible locations including Monks Cross, James Street, Clifton Moor. Then it could actually be big enough and it wouldn't matter if it was an ugly box.
The only bit which does need to be central is the public-facing bit currently next to the library, which could either stay where it is (have they sold it?) or go somewhere else in the city centre.
Posted by: ouserower, york on 9:51pm Sat 10 May 08
In keeping with local buildings???? How does this represent the Black Swan right next door???
Where is the timber?? Total rubbish! Whoever is trying to get this passed needs to be sacked immediately! It amazes me! Rubbish!
Where's Frank Lloyd Wright when you need him? Turning in his grave no doubt!
In keeping with local buildings???? How does this represent the Black Swan right next door???
Where is the timber?? Total rubbish! Whoever is trying to get this passed needs to be sacked immediately! It amazes me! Rubbish!
Where's Frank Lloyd Wright when you need him? Turning in his grave no doubt!
Posted by: hustler, York on 1:23am Sun 11 May 08
[quote][bold]Cynic[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]newsboy[/bold] wrote: As of 5pm Saturday 18 whinging comments but not a single suggestion as to an alternative.Well what do you want the building to look like. [/quote] Yes, how about build it on a business park somewhere around York - plenty of possible locations including Monks Cross, James Street, Clifton Moor. Then it could actually be big enough and it wouldn't matter if it was an ugly box. The only bit which does need to be central is the public-facing bit currently next to the library, which could either stay where it is (have they sold it?) or go somewhere else in the city centre.[/quote] Absolutely agree with everything said here. Why do they need to base all the office staff in the city centre anyway ?
The only change I can see from the artists impression is a greater use of glass, hardly a massive difference to the original plan..
Cynic wrote:
newsboy wrote: As of 5pm Saturday 18 whinging comments but not a single suggestion as to an alternative.Well what do you want the building to look like.
Yes, how about build it on a business park somewhere around York - plenty of possible locations including Monks Cross, James Street, Clifton Moor. Then it could actually be big enough and it wouldn't matter if it was an ugly box. The only bit which does need to be central is the public-facing bit currently next to the library, which could either stay where it is (have they sold it?) or go somewhere else in the city centre.
Absolutely agree with everything said here. Why do they need to base all the office staff in the city centre anyway ?
The only change I can see from the artists impression is a greater use of glass, hardly a massive difference to the original plan..
Posted by: voiceoreason, york on 3:01pm Sun 11 May 08
[quote][bold]Silver[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]ennoch[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]newsboy[/bold] wrote: As of 5pm Saturday 18 whinging comments but not a single suggestion as to an alternative.Well what do you want the building to look like. [/quote] How about a radical, cheaper eco option? Use the empty office spaces that are already available! The vast amount of money saved could then be invested into something for the local council tax payers that may also attract the odd tourist. An indoor market perhaps?[/quote] Or just reduce the council tax by making that saving as you've not had to invest it into a building, bringing back some relief to all of us being over taxed...[/quote] hmm ... why dont we get rid of all council staff and pay no council tax ..... hmm that wouldnt work would it, engage brain before typing
Silver wrote:
ennoch wrote:
newsboy wrote: As of 5pm Saturday 18 whinging comments but not a single suggestion as to an alternative.Well what do you want the building to look like.
How about a radical, cheaper eco option? Use the empty office spaces that are already available! The vast amount of money saved could then be invested into something for the local council tax payers that may also attract the odd tourist. An indoor market perhaps?
Or just reduce the council tax by making that saving as you've not had to invest it into a building, bringing back some relief to all of us being over taxed...
hmm ... why dont we get rid of all council staff and pay no council tax ..... hmm that wouldnt work would it, engage brain before typing
Posted by: The Underdog, In Transit on 1:06am Mon 12 May 08
This is really lacking, the people of York are demanding for something radical, new and stylish. The architects appear to fear trying anything new like most architects these days.
It is rather difficult to break down the walls of mediocrity with all the regulation the modern architect needs to deal with, however the abilities of modern engineering and materials can enable construction of almost any form imaginable so it is hard for most people to understand why the lack of style in a city like York with all its inspiration.
I personally would like to see the architects dig much deeper to find the solution, after all this is a very important construction for a city whose very existence is down to its architecture of yesteryear.
So please for the sake of York, have another go, only this time start again and come at it from a different angle this time.
This is really lacking, the people of York are demanding for something radical, new and stylish. The architects appear to fear trying anything new like most architects these days.
It is rather difficult to break down the walls of mediocrity with all the regulation the modern architect needs to deal with, however the abilities of modern engineering and materials can enable construction of almost any form imaginable so it is hard for most people to understand why the lack of style in a city like York with all its inspiration.
I personally would like to see the architects dig much deeper to find the solution, after all this is a very important construction for a city whose very existence is down to its architecture of yesteryear.
So please for the sake of York, have another go, only this time start again and come at it from a different angle this time.
Posted by: oli4uk, York on 9:45am Mon 12 May 08
[quote]hmm ... why dont we get rid of all council staff and pay no council tax ..... hmm that wouldnt work would it, engage brain before typing[/quote]
How is locating staff in existing buildings interpreted as laying off all staff for council tax reductions?
Personally I am concerned as to how such a building is costing £43 million, the council is obviously being shafted on this one. The Eco-systems it will be using are worrying due to maintenance cost alone
Considering the council was asking us how we would save money recently and asking for things such as fornightly bin collections and so on I am shocked a tthis rather flagrant waste of tax money.
hmm ... why dont we get rid of all council staff and pay no council tax ..... hmm that wouldnt work would it, engage brain before typing
How is locating staff in existing buildings interpreted as laying off all staff for council tax reductions?
Personally I am concerned as to how such a building is costing £43 million, the council is obviously being shafted on this one. The Eco-systems it will be using are worrying due to maintenance cost alone
Considering the council was asking us how we would save money recently and asking for things such as fornightly bin collections and so on I am shocked a tthis rather flagrant waste of tax money.
Posted by: meme, york on 1:03pm Mon 12 May 08
As a developer I am amazed at the cost It just does not stack up at all....Someone is being taken for a ride here
However the design is better than the last one but still is inappropriate for York.Do a radical building incorporating timber and glass with new building techniques. Just look at the graet design of the new house opposite. Someone spent ages getting those correct.. why cannot YCC do the same especially as this will be around for years to come
YCC be radical come up with a schems some love and some hate but at least is special. You will never please everyone but here you have a universally hated design...Please listen and sort it out
As a developer I am amazed at the cost It just does not stack up at all....Someone is being taken for a ride here
However the design is better than the last one but still is inappropriate for York.Do a radical building incorporating timber and glass with new building techniques. Just look at the graet design of the new house opposite. Someone spent ages getting those correct.. why cannot YCC do the same especially as this will be around for years to come
YCC be radical come up with a schems some love and some hate but at least is special. You will never please everyone but here you have a universally hated design...Please listen and sort it out
Posted by: Brian, york on 9:37pm Mon 12 May 08
This type of building is not and never will be in keeping with the black swan pub nextdoor,an extra 3million for the changes to the facia is not within the budgets of a council that a few months back was having to make cuts to many services,a fresh start is needed with all parties involved keeping costs to a minimum ,we dont need a iconic showpiece building just one that is fit for its perpose and affordable.
This type of building is not and never will be in keeping with the black swan pub nextdoor,an extra 3million for the changes to the facia is not within the budgets of a council that a few months back was having to make cuts to many services,a fresh start is needed with all parties involved keeping costs to a minimum ,we dont need a iconic showpiece building just one that is fit for its perpose and affordable.
Posted by: OldFart, York on 12:32am Wed 14 May 08
Why not ask Matthew
Laverack do draft a design? I'm sure he'd be happy to do so as he's always complaining about YCC plans.
Why not ask Matthew
Laverack do draft a design? I'm sure he'd be happy to do so as he's always complaining about YCC plans.
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