Lambeth’s Brockwell Hall has reopened following a £3.9 million restoration. The historic site now hosts exhibitions, events, and a café, while driving sustainability and biodiversity improvements across Brockwell Park.
Brockwell Hall, the cherished Grade II listed building nestled in the heart of Brockwell Park, has officially reopened following a major restoration led by Lambeth Council. With funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Public Sector Decarbonisation Fund and the council itself, the extensive works have not only restored the historic structure but transformed it into a vibrant community destination fit for the future.
The £3.9 million National Lottery Heritage Fund grant—complemented by council investment and sustainability funding—has brought Brockwell Hall into a new era. Once a modest 19th-century villa with limited public use, it is now a multi-functional venue, reimagined to serve the local community while honouring its past.
A Blend of Heritage and Community
The restoration has been carried out with care to preserve the building’s distinctive architecture while breathing fresh life into its spaces. Key highlights of the transformed hall include a state-of-the-art, interactive exhibition gallery, which will explore the hall’s rich history, architectural significance and the lives of the people who have shaped it over the centuries.
Also newly added is a dedicated learning and volunteer hub, providing opportunities for training, skills development, and community engagement. The restored stable yard has been converted into a versatile events venue, capable of hosting weddings, cultural exhibitions, workshops and more, with a capacity of up to 160 people.
Visitors can also enjoy a new café with panoramic park views, designed to offer refreshments in a relaxing, accessible setting. And beneath it all is an eco-friendly ground source heat pump, part of Lambeth’s wider commitment to becoming a Net Zero borough by 2030.
Beyond the Hall: A Revitalised Park
The improvements have extended well beyond the walls of Brockwell Hall. Brockwell Park itself has benefitted from a parallel wave of enhancements aimed at improving biodiversity, accessibility and community enjoyment.
New features include a cherry tree avenue leading up to the hall, native hedgerows, and a newly created wildlife pond developed in partnership with volunteers from the Friends of Brockwell Park (FoBP) and supported by the Brockwell Park Community Partners. These additions aim to enhance natural habitats and increase the ecological value of the park.
Children and families will appreciate the upgrades to play areas, including the installation of a new zipwire. Infrastructure improvements such as updated drainage systems will help reduce future flooding, protecting the park for years to come. New memorial benches and wildflower beds further enrich the experience, making the park more inviting and reflective.
A Proud Moment for Lambeth
Speaking about the reopening, Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air, said:
“The restoration of Brockwell Hall marks a proud moment for Lambeth. This project not only preserves a beautiful historic landmark but also breathes new life into Brockwell Park for future generations. Thanks to sustainable features like the new ground source heat pump, we are making Brockwell Hall a shining example of how we can honour our heritage while moving towards our Net Zero 2030 ambitions.”
Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, added:
“It’s fantastic to see Brockwell Hall reopening after its transformational restoration project. Thanks to National Lottery players, this historic building has been saved and the much-loved Brockwell Park has seen great improvements for both the community and nature, just in time for the summer.”
A Reopening to Celebrate
The reopening of Brockwell Hall marks not just the completion of a restoration, but the beginning of a new chapter. The hall now offers a place where heritage, learning, sustainability, and community converge—restoring its prominence as the cultural and natural heart of Brockwell Park. Whether attending a local event, volunteering in the new hub, enjoying a coffee with friends or simply soaking in the history, visitors are once again invited to make Brockwell Hall a part of their lives.
