The building, which will be part of a new ‘University Square neighbourhood’, is set to be built on what is now Market Square, opposite the University Library.
Design competition documents seen by York Vision say the development will have a budget of up to £65 million, and is targeted to open between September 2024 and September 2025.
The design brief says the 4000 to 5000 square metre building will be home to a new nightclub/performance space, paving the way for regular club nights on York’s campus.
The building is also expected to contain study spaces, relocated offices for York’s students’ union services, a bar and café, a student enquiry centre and exhibition spaces, among other facilities.
Vice Chancellor Charlie Jeffrey told Vision: “I think what our founders did in the 1960s was brilliant, however I think that left us with a big hole, and that was the absence of a central student facility, which was a consequence of the choosing the college model.
“I think it is a real weakness. If you go to YUSU’s offices, it’s not an impressive building. If you go to the GSA’s offices, it’s almost impossible to find them.”
“We should be saying to students ‘you deserve a brilliant facility which would be multifunctional, space can be used at different times of day for different purposes, it can provide a nighttime venue, it can provide flat floor space for student societies, and it can provide a setting where sensitively we can offer student welfare services … a one shop stop’.
“I think that’s something the University lacks and I’m deeply committed to delivering it.”
A new student media centre is also set to be included in the new building, and YUSU Multimedia Representative Ben Allen said: “A new student centre is badly needed and this is an exciting development, but it’s important that student groups, especially those who would be expected to make this building their home, are fully consulted before plans are developed.
“Many student groups, including student media, have specialist technical and logistical needs, so collaboration between the university and these groups is going to be key to transitioning offices and studios smoothly to the new centre.
“We need to make sure the new building works for the needs of all students and societies, so we can make the most of this amazing opportunity.”
YUSU President Patrick O’Donnell said: “I’m really pleased that the University is committed to delivering this ambitious project which will have a huge benefit to students. The new Student Centre will be shaped by students, with a range of new flexible spaces for students, including a purpose-built nighttime music venue.
“While the opening date is a few years away, this project – a first in the University’s history – provides a real opportunity for students to have their say about how we can have improved facilities and student services.
“In the short term, we’re also using these conversations to highlight a number of issues that student groups face, such as a lack of storage space, and identifying interim solutions.”