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University of York

Central Hall and Campus West landscape receive Grade II listing

Posted on 20 December 2018

The University of York’s Central Hall, Derwent College, and Campus West landscape have been Grade II listed by Historic England.


Campus West is a "high-quality post-war university landscape", says Historic England

Historic England describes Central Hall as having a “striking and bold design”, heralding “the beginning of contemporary university planning in Britain” and continuing the historic tradition of the earlier ‘red-brick’ universities in featuring a great hall for special events. 

The University’s Campus West was noted for its “high-quality post-war university landscape that fulfils the architects’ masterplan vision of creating a town in miniature with a pedestrianised environment.” 

Historic England said that the mostly unaltered landscape of Campus West had a design that successfully integrated the new landscape with the historic Heslington Hall gardens. 

Finest estate

Stephen Talboys, Director of Estates and Campus Services at the University of York, said: “Campus West has been Grade II listed as a Registered Park and Garden, which gives the campus the same designation as some of Britain’s finest estates. 

“We are very proud of our campus heritage and we will be liaising with Historic England and the City of York Council's Conservation teams as we work to deliver our campus masterplan over the next 10 years in a way that maintains our campus’ historical and cultural significance.” 

The covered walkway between Derwent College and Central Hall; the ramp, including the Austin Wright sculpture, leading to the Library bridge; Austin Wright's Dryad sculpture, near Heslington Hall has also been listed.

Heslington Hall, and associated gardens, and Kings Manor have previously been listed by Historic England.

Historic England designated 23 new sites across the country in its 2018 listing.  For the full list visit: https://historicengland.org.uk/whats-new/news/23-remarkable-places-listed-in-2018/

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