**Historic Cardiff Mansion House Put on the Market as Council Seeks New Bidder for City Landmark**
One of Cardiff’s most prominent and storied properties is now looking for a new custodian as the Grade II listed Mansion House has officially been put up for sale. The city council is seeking expressions of interest for the striking late-Victorian building, which has stood on Richmond Crescent since the 1890s, and was once the residence of the city’s mayor. The council stated the decision follows extended under-use and growing concerns over escalating repair costs.
Rather than setting a fixed asking price, Cardiff Council has chosen to invite offers for the Mansion House, reflecting its desire to gauge the market’s appetite for such a significant undertaking. Esteemed property consultants Savills have been appointed to handle the sale, anticipating interest from a wide range of potential buyers. The building, with a floor area of approximately 16,445 square feet, stands amid nearly an acre of mature grounds.
A symbol of Cardiff’s civic past, the Mansion House was most recently used to host official functions and events. However, in recent years the imposing structure has suffered from declining use and gradual deterioration. The council has carried out only essential repairs while struggling to justify the considerable investment needed for full restoration. Notably, the first floor is seldom used, and the second floor has remained shuttered for a quarter of a century due to its declining condition.
The decision to launch an open sales process is rooted in a cabinet report approved in late 2024, which recommended pursuing alternative ownership arrangements for the property. Council representatives have confirmed that the local authority’s cabinet will reconvene in the autumn to consider options based on the responses received from potential investors. The council’s spokesperson was clear: “At this stage, the market will help inform our next steps for the Mansion House.”
Despite some remedial works, the building still requires very substantial capital for further repairs. Council documents highlight extensive work needed to address the masonry and infrastructure, as well as outdated mechanical and electrical systems. Moreover, ongoing maintenance of a Grade II listed property, especially one of this size and heritage, demands a considerable annual budget – a challenging prospect given the current public sector financial climate.
The council is also looking into alternative venues for the handful of civic occasions that previously took place at the Mansion House. Councillor Russell Goodway, cabinet member for investment and development, commented: “By marketing the Mansion House to possible new owners, we are striving to marry the stewardship of the city’s historic assets with fiscal responsibility. Our aim is to find a sustainable future for the building, reducing the burden on taxpayers while keeping its legacy alive.”
Savills’ marketing materials promote the Mansion House’s prime location just a short stroll from central Cardiff, Queen Street station, and Cardiff University. The property is available freehold, although no guide price has been disclosed. Prospective buyers are forewarned as to the challenges ahead – with Savills noting various unsuitable later additions and the need for significant landscaping. Additionally, outbuildings such as a detached garage with separate access may offer scope for further development, subject to planning consent.
There is consensus among local observers that this sale constitutes a rare opportunity to adaptively reuse a piece of Cardiff’s heritage. However, concern lingers regarding the scale of works required and the potential loss for city residents should its historic function be substantially altered.
As the sale process unfolds in the coming months, all eyes will be on whether a suitable buyer steps forward with a positive vision – one that honours the Mansion House’s distinguished past while securing its future for generations to come. For now, the fate of one of Cardiff’s architectural jewels hangs in the balance, as the city looks to balance modern needs with the preservation of its cultural legacy.