UNIVERSITY bosses in York still want to build a social hub at their £750 million campus expansion, despite saying it has not yet been “economically viable” to move ahead.

The University of York has secured renewed planning permission for a social and catering building within the second phase of development at its Heslington East campus, near a new Langwith College student block which was completed in 2012.

The building is intended to provide dining and bar facilities for staff and students and an informal study area.

City of York Council approved the plans in November 2010, but work has yet to begin and the planning permission expired in November.

In documents sent to the authority, the university’s agents O’Neill Associates said: “It has not been economically viable to proceed with the development to date, but the university is still intent on providing the facilities.”

The building would have a bar, bistro, coffee bar and seating areas and be able to house up to 400 people.