Stationers’ Hall in the City of London has reopened as a venue after a significant refurbishment to update the historic buildings to improve access within and without and significantly enhance their sustainability.
Completed under the Vision 350 programme which aims to mark the Stationers’ Company 350th anniversary, due in 2023, the work was largely carried out during the pandemic period. It has seen the addition of a new accessible entrance from the courtyard garden and internal changes that improve communication between the Great Hall and Court Room, as well as the conversion of the old library into flexible modern meeting spaces and the addition of a new kitchen.
The works, which were carried out by principal contractor Sykes and Son under the direction of Peregrine Bryant Architects, had to navigate a number of restrictions placed by the Hall’s neighbours, archaeological finds beneath the site which included ruins of the previous hall that burned down in the Great Fire of London and earlier structures, and the Grade 1 listed and scheduled historic monument designations of parts of the building. They were the first major project carried out there since 1957.
The carbon emissions associated with the heating of the buildings should be cut by up to 80% thanks the installation of an air source heat pump system, which can also provide cooling in the summer. Various passive measures to address heat loss or gain have also been added.
Robert Flather, the Master of the Stationers’ Company for 2021–22, said, ‘This project has been hugely demanding of the Stationers’ Company, our professional advisors and our contractors, but today these challenges are in the past and with its improved accessibility, flexibility and sustainability this is really a building for the future.’
The Hall was officially re-opened by Alderman Vincent Keaveny in his capacity as Lord Mayor of London in a ceremony on 4 July, though it has effectively been open for business since the beginning of the month, for both personal and corporate bookings. The renovations follow on from the 2017 establishment of the Tokefield Centre at the site, a purpose-designed archive and reading facility.
In related news, Moira Sleight, editor and publisher of The Methodist Recorder, has been elected Master of the Company, completing a journey that began in 2004 as a Freeman, becoming Liveryman in 2005 and joining the Court in 2014. She was the first woman editor of the Methodist Recorder but is the second female Master of the Company. Championing diversity and inclusivity will be key priorities for her tenure.
