London’s new City Hall opened on Thursday – but only for a few hours as the building is only half-finished.
Mayor Sadiq Khan has moved the home of the Greater London Authority (GLA) from its purpose-built home of 20 years beside Tower Bridge east to the Royal Docks, to a converted conference centre previously known as The Crystal.
It was hosting the first Mayor’s Question Time from 10am – but was then due to close at 2pm to allow builders to continue their work.
There were immediate problems with the heating - with Mr Khan, who donned a scarf, and members of the London Assembly complaining about the low temperatures.
Two hours into the meeting, Susan Hall, leader of the GLA Conservatives, said: “I didn’t think I would be as frozen as we were in the old [City Hall].
“My feet, and I know the Mayor’s are, are absolutely frozen. If anybody has control of the ‘on’ switch, can we have the heating on?”
The £14m transformation of the building is not due to be completed until the end of February, about five months behind schedule.
Mr Khan instigated the move in a bid to save cash. GLA officials claim the saving will be £61m over five years but that is disputed by the London Assembly, the cross-party scrutiny body also based at the building.
Ms Hall said the partial opening was a “ridiculous situation”. He colleague Neil Garratt said: “It’s a show opening.”
Mr Khan arrived at the new City Hall by public transport, having taken the Northern line from his south London home, followed by the Jubilee line to Canning Town and then the DLR to Royal Victoria station.
He said the move would “save tens of millions” of pounds that could then be reinvested in public services and help to drive the regeneration of east London.
The Mayor said: “I’m excited today that we are opening this new chapter in City Hall’s and London’s history.
“I’m also optimistic that our presence here in the Royal Docks can act as a catalyst for greater economic activity, job creation and investment and the growth and success of local businesses.”
Andrew Boff, chairman of the London Assembly, said: “This is the start of an exciting new chapter in the government of London, now that we have moved even further east.”
A second meeting is due to be held next week but the bulk of the GLA’s work will continue at the London Fire Brigade headquarters in Union Street, Southwark.
The chamber has an 8ft-high glass security screen that separates the mayor and assembly members from the viewing public and press.
The building has gender neutral lavatories - though only one was open - and its flagpoles celebrate the capital’s diverse communities.
Mr Boff said GLA officials were aware of the heating problems. “I have been assured this will be resolved in the future,” he said.
