Work starts on restoration of York Mansion House

Work is now underway on the £2m regeneration project of the historic York Mansion House.

Construction contractor William Anelay, also based in York, has been appointed to complete the scheme, which is being funded by a £1.2m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, as well as £400k from City of York Council and donations.

The project ‘Opening Doors’ is the biggest investment in the Mansion House since it was built in the eighteenth century.

The renovation work consists of restoring the original kitchens to create a fully working eighteenth century kitchen and a modern kitchen allowing the house to continue hosting culinary events and functions.

In addition, the contractor will also improve displays, conservation and access to the civic collection of gold and silverware, as well as develop an integrated environmental and conservation plan for the structure, including installing an effective conservation heating system to minimise long-term damage to the contents and fabric of the building and reduce its carbon footprint.

Charles Anelay, Chairman of William Anelay Ltd, added: “The Mansion House is such a significant building in York that there has been keen competition to get the job.

“As York based specialist contractors, we are delighted that we have been chosen, especially as we are also currently working on the Mansion House in Doncaster, so it makes a fine pair. Our team is well aware of the responsibility we have to do a really good job and play our part in repairing, enhancing and upgrading the building for years to come.”

The building is scheduled to reopen to the public in early 2017.