Walworth Town Hall, built in 1894, was lately home to the Newington Library and Cuming Museum until it was destroyed by a fire in 2013.
Southwark Council selected General Projects in 2019 to redevelop and revive the building.
The plans, by Feix & Merlin Architects, are designed to give the building a 鈥榣ight-touch鈥� restoration that celebrates its heritage and architectural detail while future-proofing the asset for 21st century needs.
Walworth 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 workspaces for small businesses, as well as a caf茅, restaurant and public event spaces. The adjacent building, formerly the Newington Library, will house the new community centre, as well as more workspaces.
Following restoration of the 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.
Refurbishment works began earlier this month by Conamar, a contractor with experience in heritage projects. Upon completion, General Projects will manage the new Town Hall facilities.
Southward councillor Helen Dennis, cabinet member for the climate emergency & sustainable development, said: 鈥淭his much-loved heritage building is the jewel in Walworth鈥檚 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.鈥�
聽Planning for the development of the site was approved in December 2020 and the revitalised Town Hall building is expected to open in 2023.聽
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