18/06/25

Cardiff Council has begun the process of looking at alternative ownership options for the city's Mansion House, securing the future of the civic building.

The Mansion House in Cardiff

The move follows a report approved by members of the Council's Cabinet in November 2024 which included a recommendation to undertake an open market exercise to explore ownership options for the building

Once the open market exercise has been completed, the Council's Cabinet is expected to meet again in the Autumn to decide the preferred option for the building. 

Although Cardiff Council has been able to undertake essential repairs, the property requires significant capital investment to address issues with the fabric and structure of the building, and its mechanical and electrical systems.

The level of investment required would, according to the November report, "only be justified if the Council had a long-term operational use for the property" but unfortunately, due to its limitations, the Council has been unable to identify a suitable alternative use. The report also stated that the Grade II Listed building is currently "underutilised with the first floor rarely used and the second floor mothballed due to its poor condition", which has been the case for over a quarter of a century. As such, it is surplus to the Council's requirements.

Alongside this, any large-scale investment would require a supporting revenue maintenance budget over the long term to meet the annual demands to maintain a Grade II listed property.

Work has been undertaken to identify alternative locations to host the limited number of civic functions that were previously held at the Mansion House.

Commenting on the latest steps being taken, Cabinet Member for Investment and Development, Cllr Russell Goodway, said: "The decision to market the property to potential new owners reflects Cardiff Council's strategic approach to unlocking the potential of underutilised assets, and balancing the upkeep of the city's heritage buildings with minimising the cost to the taxpayer. By beginning the process aimed at securing the required significant capital investment on the open market, we are looking to secure a sustainable long-term future this Grade II listed building."

With its prime location just a short walk from Cardiff City Centre, Queen Street Station, and Cardiff University, The Mansion House presents a rare opportunity for adaptive reuse. The property spans approximately 16,445 sq ft across three storeys and a basement, set within 0.83 acres of grounds.

Interested parties are invited to read more about the property on  the Savills website here.