This weekend, residents have their first opportunity to step inside City of York Council’s new offices and customer centre, created from York’s first railway station. When it opens to the public in March this year, the sympathetically and creatively restored Grade II* listed building will provide a modern and welcoming new customer centre and offices for the council and partner organisations.

On Saturday 26 January, residents can call in from 10am – 4pm and on Sunday 27 January, it’s open for viewing from 11am – 3pm.

They can also view the surviving section of glass and steel canopy which once stretched out from the hotel building and has now been carefully restored and relocated. Besides being able to visit the ground floor, there will be information on the rainwater harvesting, solar panels, bio fuels for heating and natural daylight and ventilation.

Moving to West Offices will enable the council to reduce its office accommodation from 17 buildings to just two (West Offices and Hazel Court) and save around £17 million over the next 25 years, while giving residents and visitors a much-improved customer experience. No pre-booking required.

The customer centre at West Offices will open in March 2013.

The Mansion House doors are also being thrown open to residents for free as well on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 January from 11am – 4pm. From the simplicity of the kitchens to the largest collection of civic silver outside London, to memories of former Mayors and staff, this home of the Lord Mayor is a living treasure trove. No pre-booking required.