A REMARKABLE auditorium giving the audience a stunning view of York Minster is at the heart of a proposed new creative centre at York St John University.

Modelled on New York City’s Lincoln Centre, the 200-seat auditorium will feature a large window at the back of the stage, through which the audience will be able to see the cathedral by day and night.

The new arts, design and performance centre, intended to form a focal point and ‘beacon’ at the centre of the campus, is the winning design by London-based architects Tate Harmer in a competition organised by the university.

Rob Hickey, university executive director of innovation and growth, said it was the ‘stand-out winner’ for reflecting the university’s ambition and optimism, making the most of the building’s position in the centre of campus and showcasing its location in the heart of the city.

He said: “As one of the fastest growing universities in the country, we need to develop innovative teaching space for specialist subjects.

“We were impressed with Tate Harmer’s proposal for a vibrant, state-of-the-art creative centre that recognises the needs of future students.”

Tate Harmer said there would be a flexible teaching space that could adapt to various students’ needs and the evolution of art, design and media production courses.

A spokesman said the huge window would offer a ‘unique portal to the performances within, and spectacular views of the cathedral outside.’

He said: "The new hall will support a broad range of performances, including multi-disciplinary and technology-driven creative collaborations.

“With the plans still to be finalised, Tate Harmer’s proposal would deliver 3,000 sqm of flexible teaching space as well as allowing for the potential expansion of an additional 1,500 sqm.

“The proposed scheme includes a collaborative atrium space that will link the teaching spaces and auditorium, creating three levels of communal area, effectively acting as a ‘mixing valve’ between creative disciplines.”

He said the communal space would connect on the western side of the building with the existing Design Centre, and would be enclosed by a cost-effective foil covering, similar to that used in the Eden Project in Cornwall.

The atrium would be a timber-framed structure with a clear enclosure to provide a covered green space.

A new landscaped street would link all existing and proposed buildings forming an integrated, easy to navigate centre of the campus.

Tate Harmer partner Jerry Tate said the company was delighted to have been chosen to design the centre. “Serving as a beacon for the campus, our designs reflect the ambitions of the university to significantly improve student learning and experience.

“We are looking forward to developing the plans further with the team.”