Walworth Town Hall has reopened its doors to the public for the first time in over a decade, following extensive fire damage in 2013 – and the renovation is magnificent.
Located in the heart of Walworth Road, the historic 1894 building, once facing demolition, has been carefully restored and reinvented as a dynamic space for local businesses, community groups, and the public.
The Grade II listed landmark faced a bleak future after the fire, which left much of the building in ruins. It was even listed at ‘at risk’ by Historic England.
However, thanks to the efforts of General Projects and Southwark Council, the town hall has been given a new life.
A grand double staircase welcomes you in (© Chris Wharton)
Officially opening today (Wednesday, 8 January), the building offers coworking spaces, flexible offices, a community centre, as well as a healthy pan-Asian café from Jusu Brothers.
Having been fenced in by hoardings for years, there is now a new grand entrance leading to Walworth Square.
Last year, General Projects, estimated it would be worth £25 million on the open market once complete.
The library inside (© Chris Wharton)
The full site comprises 50,000 sq ft and includes the former Newington Library and Cuming Museum.
Peckham-based architects Feix and Merlin carefully restored the building’s historic features while adding eco-friendly materials like cross-laminated timber (CLT). The fire-damaged council chamber has been rebuilt with a new ceiling.
Joanna Lee, Managing Director at General People, who will manage the building’s spaces, said, “A lot of younger locals won’t have seen the building without its hoarding, let alone stepped inside. We’re looking forward to working closely with the community board and seeing the spaces brought to life by a new generation.”
Cllr Helen Dennis, Southwark’s Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development, added, “I’m so proud to see this treasure of Southwark’s history restored and brought back to life. It’s a wonderful resource for the people of Walworth and beyond.”