Potential safety and security risks have been identified at the Lord Mayor’s home in the City of London as plans progress on a major revamp of the Grade-I listed building. Matthew Lloyd Architects has submitted an initial assessment of the works required on Mansion House, detailing issues ranging from water damage to areas suffering from corrosion.
This includes an escape ladder and hatch described as ‘severely corroded’ and appearing inoperable, presenting “a risk to both life-safety and a potential security vulnerability.” Designed and built in the 18th century as the home for the Lord Mayor, an elected position in the City of London Corporation, Mansion House has over years been used for civic, business and ceremonial purposes, as well as residential.
Until 1991, it contained a court and cells, before they were moved to the nearby City of London Magistrates Court. A City of London spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) the works will include repairing and replacing ageing building infrastructure. Asked how much the project would cost, they said it is too early to determine.
Matthew Lloyd Architects’ report is filed as part of an application for Listed Building Consent, to enable the firm to undertake a more thorough investigation. To date, its work has involved a “non-invasive visual assessment of external and internal fabric.”
The report details a series of initial findings alongside the tasks necessary to resolve the issues. For example, for the emergency exit hatch from the basement, it reads: “The lightwell escape is completely blocked by glassware trolleys and various miscellaneous items including scaffolding, whilst the escape ladder and hatch is severely corroded and appears inoperable by normal means”, presenting “a risk to both life-safety and a potential security vulnerability.”
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As a result, the firm is recommending actions including treating corroded elements, and replacing the hatch panel entirely if the existing one cannot be reused. Much of the report is concerned with damp and water damage to areas including the staff bedroom ceiling, the portico steps, and in a meeting room.
The locations identified as requiring further investigation are those which either indicate “urgent building fabric issues”, where they need to be opened up for a full assessment, or where issues were discovered “which affect health and life safety or the fulfilment of statutory obligations.” An internal target date by which the Corporation hopes to decide the application is listed as September 2.
A City of London Corporation spokesperson said: “Mansion House is the home of the Lord Mayor of the City of London and a highly valued, local heritage building, more than 265 years old.
“Like all old buildings, it will require ongoing investment to deliver essential maintenance works, including repairing and replacing ageing building infrastructure, and meeting accessibility and net-zero requirements.”
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