ONE of York’s most distinctive medieval buildings, St William’s College, is set to be given a new life housing Minster staff and as a high quality space for conferences and events.

The Grade 1 listed timber-framed building which stands in the shadow of York Minster in College Street, just off Goodramgate, was founded in 1460 by George Neville and the Earl of Warwick to accommodate priests attached to chantry chapels at the cathedral.

It fell into a bad state of disrepair over the years but was purchased and renovated back to its former glory by Francis Green.

Until recent times, it housed a restaurant and also hosted conferences but it has lain empty for several years and is currently undergoing significant restoration work.

Planning permission and listed building consent has been granted by City of York Council for the restoration, including a new disabled lift and level access.

A major repair project has already taken place on the roof of St William’s College.

It is now planned for Minster staff to move there from nearby Church House in Ogleforth, which is set to be converted into 14 apartments.

These will be rented out by the Minster, with the rental revenue to be used to help fund restoration work on the cathedral.

l For major plans for the Minster precinct: Page 7