CITY bosses are about to approve a £12.7 million redevelopment of the Guildhall complex.

Planning permission has already been granted for the proposals, and next week City of York’s executive will be asked for approval to push ahead.

Much of the building is to become a suite of services offices, and a report to the executive councillors shows officers want to the council to run the facility itself, rather than getting a specialist company to take it on.

The work is being funded by £1.75 million of council money; £2.3 million from the Leeds City Region, and £8.6 million in borrowing - which will then cost the council £443,000 a year.

The redevelopment will also include a riverside restaurant and a cafe which will both bring in rental income. Overall, the council expects to make £444,000 year from the complex - just £1,000 a year more than the borrowing costs.

Council leader David Carr said they wanted to retain the history of the building, while creating an economic boost for the city.