The Guildhall, a historic landmark in the heart of London, serves as a central hub for civic events and gatherings.
As part of a broader initiative to modernise and enhance the functionality of the building and improve fire safety, 94 doorsets largely in back office and plant room areas – all considered highrisk areas in the building fire strategy – were replaced.
The Guildhall’s doorsets had experienced extensive wear and tear over the years, impacting both aesthetics and operational efficiency. The aim was to replace them with modern, durable doors that meet current safety standards. The project involved collaboration between multiple stakeholders, and the Guildhall management team.
Project details
A detailed project plan was developed, outlining the scope, objectives, timelines, and responsibilities. This included a comprehensive assessment of the existing doorsets, covering the structural integrity and design of each doorset. Stakeholder meetings were held to discuss requirements and constraints, such as budget, timeline, and compliance with heritage preservation guidelines where applicable. Emphasis was placed on selecting materials that would align with the historical context of the Guildhall while ensuring modern performance standards, and on the need to source sustainable materials to minimise the environmental impact of the replacements.
Key project deliverables
Minimise disruption to the day-to-day operations of the Guildhall, which needed to maintain a full business-as usual week.
Guarantee the safety of Guildhall staff and visitors and maintain the flow of people throughout the building.
Respect the Guildhall’s historical significance both in terms of finding the most appropriate doorset solution and ensuring the fabric of the building was not compromised in any way.
Working on a site as iconic and historically significant as the Guildhall requires a careful balance between modern safety standards and heritage preservation. This project exemplifies that balance. By replacing 94 high-risk doorsets with durable, compliant alternatives, we’ve enhanced fire safety while respecting the building’s architectural integrity. Collaboration with the Guildhall management team was key to ensuring minimal disruption and maximum impact.
