ONE of York's most historic buildings is set to reopen to the public today following the first phase of a £1.3 million restoration project.

Wednesday, 6 August 2025 17:43

By Joe Gerrard

The results of refurbishments at York’s Mansion House were revealed yesterday - ahead of its reopening.

The first phase of the restoration has seen its roof and facade repaired, accessibility improved and rooms redecorated with the help of analysis from conservation specialists.

Richard Pollitt, the Mansion House’s manager and curator, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) the works would help showcase one of York’s most important buildings to visitors.

York’s Lord Mayor Cllr Martin Rowley said the building had to be sustainable and not be reserved for a privileged few as it was historically.

It comes ahead of Mansion House’s reopening to the public today (Wednesday, August 6) after closing in November for the recently-completed first phase of works.

The Grade I-listed building is also set to host York’s yearly Georgian Festival which runs from Thursday, August 7 to Monday, August 11.

Mansion House is marking 300 years since construction on it began in 1725, lasting until 1732.

It was one of the earliest civic buildings built in the classical style in England and it is one of the oldest purpose-built mayoral residences in the country.

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