Anelay delivers York minister transformation

York Minster has recently undergone a £2m facelift carried out by building conservation specialists William Anelay.

Its south transept piazza and Undercroft area have been transformed to improve the visitor experience for many of the 500,000 people who annually visit the iconic venue.

The complex project, which was visited by HRH Prince Andrew in late May as part of the launch of the works, was carried out by York-based William Anelay under the auspices of architects Arrol & Snell Ltd and project manager Gardiner and Theobold.

The scope of works was extensive as a result of torrential rain that led to flooding of the Undercroft in November 2012 as well as the discovery of human remains and a section of Roman road.

Site Manager Andy Gravil said: "We started on site in early August 2012 but work was delayed due to the flooding that affected the Undercroft.

The Undercroft sits below the south transept and comprises of seven connecting underground chambers that provide access to and showcase 2000 years of history beneath the Minster, from the original Roman barracks to the present day.

Since the 1960s it has formed a major part of the visitor experience and access has now been improved, with the addition of two passenger lifts and a number of ramps and refurbished walkways.

Gravil said: "The flooding led to a lot of design changes such as the protection of the Undercroft's timber ramps with the addition of plastic feet to aid ventilation and allow air to keep moving and the incorporation of a pump in the second chamber.

"There was a lot of adapting and thinking ‘on the job' during that period but the end result is an historical attraction that people will be enjoying for many years to come."