Builder appointed for next phase of the Creative Centre

York St John University is delighted to announce the appointment of Kier Group for the next stage of work on the University’s Creative Centre. Kier, who are one of the UK’s leading construction and infrastructure services companies, will begin work on site this month.

Nick Coakley, Head of Estates, Projects and Building Services at York St John said: “This project will breathe new life into the heart of the Campus, with its striking design as well as its surrounding green space. After a competitive tender process, we’re delighted to have Kier on board for the next stage of the build. The team is looking forward to working with them to make the Creative Centre vision a reality for the benefit of students and the wider community. We can’t wait to see people enjoying the space.”

The builders will bring to life the sustainably designed Centre that will deliver a 210 seat auditorium, a three-story teaching block and specialist teaching space. The design aims to create a healthy, innovative new building that will be sociable and improve the quality of spaces for the campus community and the wider public of York. The Centre will offer space for community use, notably a new atrium at the heart of the site which will act as an exhibition space, teaching space and theatre foyer to host lectures and performances.

Phil McDowell, Operations Director at Kier Regional Building Northern, said: “We’re thrilled that York St John University has appointed us to deliver its brand-new Creative Centre. The site will create a new performing arts venue, auditorium and teaching space for subjects including computer science and media production, as well as providing space for public performances. We will be engaging with end users, students and the local community throughout the build.”

By 2020, York St John expects to be home to 8,000 students, with a rise in demand for courses in creative subjects. 2,600 sqm of flexible teaching spaces are at the heart of the new designs of the scheme, which means the building can adapt to students’ needs and the future evolution of the University’s curriculum.

Plans for the new Creative Centre were unanimously approved by York City Council in April 2019. Clearance of the site has already taken place, with the build on track for completion in May 2021.