The hall and café of a York landmark have been given a brand new look.
Brighter and lighter, the inside of the York Citadel, on Gillygate, has been transformed by a £300,000 investment.
The works, led by York firm Pinnacle Conservation, have transformed the main auditorium, with the building’s heritage features saved and preserved.
The café has also been completely renewed as a vibrant space for community and wellbeing.
Opened by William Booth of the Salvation Army in 1883 as a place of worship, mission and social justice in York, The Citadel in York is now under the ownership of York City Church.
It has built on these roots bringing life to people in York, and particularly those who are often more marginalised.
The investment comes as a result of the church’s growing 250-plus congregation and the multitude of ways the building is being used. This ranges from refugee-led pop-up restaurant nights and gigs, to social enterprises and mental health and wellbeing communities.
Mark Alty, York City Church executive pastor and part of the leadership team, said they were “privileged owners of this beautiful historic venue in the centre of York”.
“We want everything about it to reflect what we know of a God who creates and redeems,” he said. “This means stewarding it well for many years to come, looking after the fabric of the building and using it to love and serve the city, and particularly those on the margins.”
Kiara Rough, rentals coordinator for The Citadel said: “We want these improvements to the building to bring life to people in York, whether that’s through the church, initiatives we’ve started, or working in partnership with others doing great things in our city.”
In 2015, The Citadel became the home of York City Church. Since then, it has developed into a dynamic venue playing host to concerts, art exhibitions, international business lectures, the refugee Welcome Cafe and main council meetings for the City of York.
In any one week the building can be used as a bustling lunch club, lecture theatre, gig venue and church gathering.
For more information about The Citadel, or to hire the venue, go to the website.
