Westminster City Council and London Business School today announced that they have entered into exclusive negotiations over the lease of Old Marylebone Town Hall and its annexe building.
The proposal being discussed between Westminster City Council and renowned education provider London Business School will see the heritage building undergo a much needed programme of renovation and restoration. A significant investment will restore it to a full state of repair, whilst creating a modern learning environment within its historic premises.
Opened in 1920, Marylebone Town Hall remains a fine example of early 20th Century municipal architecture. It was designed by the distinguished early-20th.century, British architect, Sir Edwin Cooper and listed in 1981. The building will become an integral part of the London Business School campus, creating a triangle of educational facilities between Sussex Place, the Taunton Centre and Old Marylebone Town Hall. The School plans to use Old Marylebone Town Hall to expand its teaching facilities for its executive education and degree programmes to enhance the education experience for its participants and students.
Marylebone Town Hall is also one of the most popular venues in London for weddings and civil partnerships. Its famous steps have twice hosted the nuptials of Sir Paul McCartney, with his late wife Linda and more recently with Nancy Shevell, Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach, Liam Gallagher and Patsy Kensit, and Hollywood stars Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith. Couples will be able to book their ceremonies at the restored venue after the programme of works is completed. In the interim, Westminster will be offering couples use of the 18th floor of City Hall for wedding ceremonies, a unique location with panoramic views over the capital, including Buckingham Palace and the London Eye.
As part of the council’s commitment towards extending accessible library provision and implementing a programme of local regeneration in the Marylebone area, the council will be looking to secure a larger permanent base in the area. Members of the public, residents and local stakeholder groups from the community will be invited to share their thoughts with the council and will have an opportunity to have their say in helping to decide a future permanent site for the library.
Speaking today, Cllr Jonathan Glanz, Westminster Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Corporate Property, said:
“We are delighted to be working with London Business School; this will not only create an educational facility fit for the 21st century in one of Westminster’s most recognised buildings, but will provide an opportunity for much needed refurbishment works to take place.
“One of the most exciting proposals within the plan of works include the creation of a brand new purpose built site for Marylebone Library. Westminster Council is firmly committed to investing in our libraries; they are a place of inspiration for young and old and providing the best service available for residents and visitors remains our top priority. Marylebone Library is well used and a great asset to the City of Westminster. I encourage everyone interested in taking part in the debate to have their say.”
Commenting on the discussions, Sir Andrew Likierman, Dean, London Business School, said:
“Assuming the negotiations can reach a satisfactory conclusion for both parties, the acquisition of Old Marylebone Town Hall would provide us with a great opportunity to expand our footprint in the capital. Our aspiration is to transform the magnificent Town Hall into a world-class teaching facility that reflects our global ranking whilst being sensitive to the original architectural design of the landmark building.”