An historic York building deemed internationally significant is in need of repairs, according to recently-lodged restoration plans.
York Conservation Trust plans for the Grade I-listed Assembly Rooms would see scaffolding fixed to the building in Blake Street for repairs to its roof and portico.
Trust plans stated it the repairs were important conservation works which would ensure the building remains watertight, protecting its internationally-significant interior.
They added fixing scaffolding to the front of the building was deemed to be the most appropriate way of carrying out the repairs at the complex site.
The Assembly Rooms, which houses the Ask Italian restaurant, were built in the 18th Century and the front of the building was remodelled in 1828.
They aimed to provide an entertainment venue for well-to-do visitors increasingly attracted to York in the 1700s in part by the growing popularity of horse races held at the Knavesmire.
Its Palladian ballroom was designed by Richard Boyle, the third Earl of Burlington, the architect behind a number of Georgian mansions and stately homes.
Works proposed by its owners York Conservation Trust would see scaffolding fixed to the front of the building in filled-in holes used for previous repairs.
Free-standing scaffolding has been ruled out due to Blake Street being one of the few fully accessible routes into York city centre.
A total of 24 holes in the building’s facade are then set to be repaired.
The installation of the scaffolding will allow repairs which were first approved in 2022 to take place.
Important conservation works
Extensive consultation has taken place since to decide how best to move forward with the work.
Repairs approved in 2022 included the repairs to roof along with replacement lanterns, plasterwork in the south anteroom, toilets and a dining area.
Works to repair the inside of the building were also previously carried out in 2017, 2020 and 2024.
The latest plans stated the works aimed to better reveal and sustain the site’s special architectural and historical interest.
The application stated: “These works will help sustain the site’s heritage significance by enabling important conservation works to ensure the shell remains watertight and thus protecting its internationally significant interior.
“The proposed works have been carefully considered to ensure there is minimal adverse impact on the heritage asset.”
City of York Council planning officers are yet to decide on the plans.
