Work has now begun on Grade II listed Walworth Town Hall in Southwark, South London, which creative property developer General Projects is transforming into a vibrant work and community hub. Built in 1894, the historic building previously served as a focal point for the local community, home to the Newington Library and Cuming Museum, until it was destroyed by a fire in 2013.
General Projects was backed by Southwark Council as the preferred development partner in 2019, seeing off considerable competition to restore and modernise the culturally significant building. The plans, prepared by architecture practice Feix & Merlin Architects, will inject a new lease of life into the landmark building through a ‘light-touch’ restoration approach that celebrates its rich heritage and intricate architectural detail, while future-proofing the asset for 21st century needs.
The Town Hall, which has been on the Heritage at Risk Register for nine years, will provide community and workspace, with a mix of workshops, studios, and creative flexible workspaces for SMEs, as well as a new café, restaurant and public event spaces. The adjacent building, formerly the Newington Library, will house the new community centre, as well as flexible workspaces. The works undertaken by General Projects will truly offer a new public asset to the London Borough, giving the Town Hall back to the community and providing much-needed flexible workspace that encourages and promotes collaboration and creativity.
Following careful restoration of the historic fabric, a new mezzanine level will be inserted into the former council chamber. A new ground floor entrance onto Walworth Square will provide improved access to the building and establish an organic connection with the new Sayer Street, and the Elephant & Castle regeneration.
Cycle storage will be provided, as well as outdoor amenity spaces. The memorial garden, which runs along the Walworth Road frontage, will be carefully protected during construction and relandscaped prior to completion in Q4 2023.
Refurbishment works began earlier this month by Conamar, a contractor with substantial experience in heritage projects. Upon completion, General Projects will operate the Town Hall, and a new independent management board chaired by local resident Manisha Patel has been established to help shape and oversee the new community space.
Frederic Schwass, Development Director at General Projects, said:
“Close collaboration with Southwark Council, English Heritage and local community groups has ensured that the future of Walworth Town Hall balances commercial, community and cultural needs to establish a new benchmark for success. After having spent the past 3 years working tirelessly with our devoted team and the council, we are delighted to commence the construction phase of the project. This milestone marks a critical step into bringing the iconic heritage-buildings back into active use. Once completed, the new workspaces and community hub will provide a vibrant and diverse amenity for Walworth and its surroundings.”
Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for the Climate Emergency & Sustainable Development said:
“I’m delighted at this latest milestone in the restoration of Walworth Town Hall. This much-loved heritage building is the jewel in Walworth’s crown. Bringing it back into use, with both work and community space included, will give it new purpose and a new lease of life which means it can continue to be enjoyed by many more generations to come.”
Manisha Patel, Chair of the Community Space Management Board said:
“It is truly an honour to Chair the Community Space Management Board. My fellow board members and I understand the great responsibility that we hold. We are committed to ensuring that the new community space is open to everyone and reflects the richness and diversity of Walworth. We are ambitious in our vision for the space in terms of use and accessibility and we want to see a thriving community hub that delivers something for every resident.”
Planning for the development of the site was approved in December 2020, and the revitalised Town Hall building is expected to open in 2023.
