York St John to take over King’s Manor as University of York vacates city centre site

York St John University is set to take over the lease of King’s Manor, marking the end of the University of York’s long standing presence in one of the city’s most historic locations.

The building, located in the centre of York, has been a hub for arts and humanities students for decades. Until recently, it was home to departments including Archaeology, Medieval Studies, and Eighteenth Century Studies.

But in June 2024, the University of York confirmed it would no longer be using King’s Manor for teaching or research, stating that the high running costs and ongoing accessibility issues made the building unsuitable for modern use.

While the University of York plans to relocate relevant departments to newer spaces on campus, the shift marks a significant change to the university’s city presence. King’s Manor has long been a symbol of the university’s connection to the historical heart of York.

It has now been announced that York St John will take over the site, though it’s not yet clear what the building will be used for under its new leaseholder. The University of York has said it is working with local partners to ensure the building remains a space for education and learning.

The announcement received a strong response from parts of the academic community, including concerns from students and staff about the cultural and academic value of the site. A petition calling for the university to remain at King’s Manor gathered over 1,000 signatures in 2024.

Despite the criticism, the university maintains that the move will benefit teaching and research, particularly for arts and humanities subjects, in accessible, modernised facilities.

As the lease officially passes to York St John, King’s Manor will now begin a new chapter in its long academic history.

Featured image via Google Maps