Spruce up to restore glory of Doncaster’s Mansion House

Doncaster’s Mansion House is undergoing a comprehensive facelift with the aim of restoring its position as the focus of the High Street and encouraging people people through its doors.

The renovation programme is thought to be the first signficant work to be carried out on the Mansion House for more than 15 years.

The works - which include roof repairs, redecoration of the facade, and the renovation of the lion and cherub features, will cost around £300,000.

The project is expected to take several months to complete.

It is being carried out by William Anelay, the firm established by John Thompson who built the Mansion House in 1748 at a cost of £8,000.

It was later extended in work carried out in the 1800s.

Doncaster’s Mansion House is one of only three surviving buildings of its type alongside those in London and York, which is undergoing its own renovations.

It remains at the centre of civic life in Doncaster and it hosts a series of events throughout the year.

Occasionally in its history it has been used as a residence.

However it has not been the home of the town’s mayor since George Tuby in 1922.

He spent just three nights under its roof before he complained that it was too claustrophobic.

Doncaster executive mayor Ros Jones has praised the building, and has described the Mansion House as “one of Doncaster’s most treasured assets”.

It is hoped the facelift will encourage more people to use its facilities and help to improve the surroundings of the High Street.