A sympathetic adaptation for change
Standing just a few yards from St Paul’s Cathedral is Saddlers’ Hall, a building steeped in the history of The Worshipful Company of Saddlers, a ‘Not-for-Profit’ London Livery Company. The original hall dated back to the 14th century, however both the building and the organisation have evolved over the years to keep pace with modern life.
Today, The Worshipful Company of Saddlers’ activities are ‘based on charitable foundations that support and encourage the development of saddlery, equestrianism and education; in particular where they coincide with disability and youth.’ Their large, multi-functional headquarters at Saddlers’ Hall houses, amongst other things, a range of event spaces for hire, to help support their charitable work. Originally destroyed by the Great Fire of London and then bombed during the Blitz, Saddlers’ Hall has been rebuilt several times, and was in need of a series of well thought out adaptations, to enable the spaces to be used more flexibly and efficiently.
We worked closely with the members of the client team to fully understand their individual and group needs, to explore how sensitive interventions in key areas could greatly improve functionality, safety and viability. Changes were implemented to increase lettable office space, improve catering facilities, provide access and improvement to the roof terrace, upgrade their office space and provide a range of bedrooms for members, guests and key staff. Work was completed in the early part of 2022.
“The Saddlers’ Company enjoyed working with PDP London and found them very sympathetic to the needs of a modern City of London Livery Company. They helped us to find a balance between contemporary workspace, comfortable overnight accommodation, and standout hospitality venue. The results have been much admired and appreciated.”
Brigadier Philip Napier OBE
Clerk to the Saddlers’ Company
The Saddlers’ Hall project team included Gardiner & Theobald, Price & Myers, and Scotch Partners.
An upgraded roof terrace provides a tranquil outdoor space and connects to working and living areas
Natural light is added to the connected office space