Buttress to steer York Mansion House improvements

Set to close on 10 November. the official seat of the Lord Mayor of York will reopen in 2025, after a £1.2m maintenance, access and safety upgrade.

One of the earliest civic buildings to be built in the classical style in England, the Mansion House holds an important collection of items connected to the history of the city over the past 800 years.

The reopening will come 300 years after the building’s original construction began, work started in  1725 and was completed in 1732. The last major restoration was carried out in 2015-17, backed by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

This refurbishment aims to address essential maintenance tasks which include repairing wear and tear to the building and to prevent any further deterioration in the historic roof, walls and windows.

It will also include upgrades to the lift and environmental performance, while decoration works will also refresh the interior where structural work is required.

The Mansion House will close temporarily on 10 November, when the contents will be safely stored.

The Mansion House last underwent refurb works in 2017. Credit: CoYC

Starting in early 2025, the works will be overseen by Buttress Architects which will provide specialist heritage consultancy and conservation architecture. During the project they will lead a team of experts including conservation architects and mechanical, electrical and structural engineers.

Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Margaret Wells, said: “Investing in this beautiful historic building ensures it will continue to serve the city and its residents. It’s temporary closure will allow other historic venues to take part in the civic life of the city, such as holding citizenship ceremonies in the elegant Register Office on Bootham, and using Medieval Barley Hall to host the Sheriff’s Ridings.”

Hannah Bellerby, project architect from Buttress Architects, said: “As we approach the Mansion House’s 300th anniversary, it is a privilege for Buttress to lead the efforts in safeguarding this vital piece of York’s civic heritage.

“Our work focuses on not only preserving the building’s historical integrity but also working to ensure it remains accessible, sustainable, and fit for future generations. Through these planned restorations, we are ensuring that this significant landmark continues to enrich York’s cultural landscape for years to come.”

The project is due to be completed part way through next year, when it will reopen in time for Yorkshire Day on 1 August and a season of events. Meanwhile, more of the city’s treasures can be seen at the Castle Museum, Yorkshire Museum and York Art Gallery.