World-class Yorkshire archive building gets set for opening

WORK to create a world-class archive and local history centre in the heart of York is entering its final weeks ahead of a grand opening in January.
James Henderson with some of the external 'bronze' cladding. Picture by Jonathan GawthorpeJames Henderson with some of the external 'bronze' cladding. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe
James Henderson with some of the external 'bronze' cladding. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe

York Council announced that York Explore library will reopen on Monday Jaunary 5 following construction and renovation work supported by £1.5m from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Work is now entering its final weeks, with the finishing touches being made to the new archives and local history service on the first floor, and to the ‘gold box’ which will hold the city’s internationally-recognised collections.

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The new facility will be home for the records of over 800 years of York’s history.

The archive contains everything from the city’s reaction to the death of Richard III to its defence in the Second World War.

The reopening of the building will also mark the beginning of the second phase of the York: Gateway to History project, which will create and deliver a new education and outreach programme

based on the archive collections.

Fiona Williams, chief executive of Explore, said: “Upstairs at York Explore has been transformed into a world-class archive and local history centre. Prepare to be amazed!”

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