The historic landmark, which has been a cornerstone of the Southwark community since 1865, has been meticulously transformed into a dynamic hub for business, culture, and community engagement.
Walworth Town Hall has officially reopened, marking a major milestone in its restoration journey following extensive fire damage in 2013. The historic landmark, which has been a cornerstone of the Southwark community since 1865, has been meticulously transformed into a dynamic hub for business, culture, and community engagement.
The restoration, a collaboration between Southwark Council and real estate developer General Projects, was completed with the aim of preserving the site’s heritage while modernising it for contemporary use. The reopening was celebrated on Monday, 24 March, with a special ceremony and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque. The complex now provides flexible workspaces for over 550 workers and includes co-working spaces, offices, and a dedicated community area.
A Historic Restoration
The reopening comes just a day before the 12th anniversary of the devastating fire on 25 March 2013, which severely damaged the structure. Since then, a comprehensive effort has been undertaken to repair the damage, upgrade the infrastructure, and integrate modern design elements while honouring the building’s historic significance.
Cllr Helen Dennis, Southwark’s Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development, expressed her excitement about the restoration:
“I’m thrilled to reopen this incredible building which represents such an important part of Southwark’s history and heritage. I’m particularly pleased to see the completion of the new community space on the ground floor, which will be run for local residents and serve as a wonderful resource for people of all ages. The Walworth Town Hall is a treasure for our local community, and I’m delighted that it is now ready for people to use and enjoy.”
A Part of Elephant & Castle’s Wider Regeneration
The Walworth Town Hall restoration is a key component of a broader £4 billion regeneration project in Elephant & Castle, initiated in 2010. This redevelopment includes the creation of a new public square, Walworth Square, onto which the Town Hall now opens. The newly revitalised complex spans an impressive 50,000 square feet, incorporating the adjoining former Newington Library and Cuming Museum.
Ensuring that the Town Hall remains a true community asset, a dedicated management team has been established to oversee the operation of the community space. This team consists of local residents and Southwark Council representatives who have met fortnightly for the past three years to plan and execute a vision that aligns with the needs and aspirations of the local population.
Manisha Patel, Chair of the Walworth Town Hall Community Space, highlighted the community-driven approach:
“We are proud to be representing our local community as part of this development. We see our role as stewards of the community space, collaborating to create a thriving and diverse hub for all. Our hope is that our community space will become a place where we can foster meaningful connections and create experiences of community joy for generations to come.”
A Collaborative Effort in Heritage Restoration
The restoration was led by General Projects, which won the contract amid competition from 60 other applicants. The project saw the involvement of Peckham-based LGBTQ+-led architecture firm Felix and Merlin, who designed the new spaces with a balance of heritage and modernity. Additionally, Historic England and local community groups played a significant role in ensuring that the redesign reflected the identity and history of Southwark.
Frederic Schwass, Chief Development Officer at General Projects, shared his vision for the redevelopment: “We approached this project with a vision for developing a new blueprint for bringing at-risk municipal landmarks back to life. Restored to its former glory, Walworth Town Hall has been given back to a new generation with an exciting new purpose, made viable and fit for modern standards.
“It was vital to us that the building’s legacy was revealed rather than erased, while striking a careful balance between celebrating its inherited state and adapting it to modern use. Elephant and Castle is fast becoming a bustling new town centre for London, and Walworth Town Hall functions as a bridge between the area’s authentic heritage and its new future.”
The restored Walworth Town Hall is expected to play a crucial role in fostering local entrepreneurship, creativity, and social engagement. With a focus on small businesses, start-ups, and community initiatives, the revitalised space will serve as a launchpad for new ideas and collaborative efforts, laying the groundwork for a new creative community to flourish in Southwark.
