As the Council will be moving out of the Guildhall buildings and in to the new West Offices a new purpose needs to be found for the Guildhall buildings.  I think this new purpose should maximise York's assets:

1. History

2. Tourists

We have Yorvik which is a nationally know centre - bringing the past alive.  I think York should bring the medieval past alive showing what it was to like to live in the northern capital.  The Guildhall buildings are ideally situated for tourists to access.  The Guildhall itself should be kept as a large hall that could be hired out for feasts, events and special exhibitions relating to historical events or just a cafe serving food with an historical influence.  The 60s/70s office block that links to the old Guildhall could be removed and a purpose built exhibition place created, in the way Yorvik did.  Yorkvik publicises its centre very effectively and brings hundreds of thousands of tourists to the city.They are interested in visiting accessible history.  This would be a new attraction that they would want to visit while in York.  Yorkvik is a very profitable business.  Creating a similar Medieval attraction would be a real money maker and bring a long-term profit from tourism to the Council (as landlord).

This venue would be the focus for a city wide York Medieval festival. Guided tours of the city by knowleadgable guides in period costume. Jousting at Kanvesmire! The theatres could show plays from or about the period. This is a very important part of York's history and it isn't very accessible to people at the moment.  This could be an opportunity to do something brilliant and bring history to life in this beautiful city.  We could even win awards!  This idea allows many individual little businesses to benefit from the creation of this one focal iconic building.  It is a huge idea that could ripple through the city!