Walworth Town Hall
- Client: General Projects
- Architect: Feix & Merlin
- Contacts: Jan Donovan, Ailish Collins
- LPA: London Borough of Southwark
The Walworth Town Hall project is a transformative restoration and regeneration scheme that revives two fire-damaged Grade II listed buildings—Walworth Town Hall and Newington Library—into a vibrant, sustainable hub for community, culture, and enterprise.
The redevelopment delivers 4,372 sqm of flexible workspace tailored to creative industries, start-ups, and SMEs, supporting up to 370 jobs and fostering local economic inclusion. Affordable memberships enable local entrepreneurs to access high-quality spaces at discounted rates, helping to reduce barriers for small business growth.
Located in the heart of the Elephant and Castle Opportunity Area, the development exemplifies how sensitive heritage restoration can serve as a catalyst for long-term economic and social revitalisation. Vacant for over a decade following a devastating fire in 2013, the buildings have been sensitively restored with a “light touch” approach that honours their historic character while introducing contemporary design and functionality.
The project also includes a 297 sqm community centre within the restored Newington Library, operated by a not-for-profit organisation. This space provides affordable, accessible rooms for art exhibitions, community meetings, workshops, and fitness classes—strengthening social cohesion and ensuring that local residents are at the heart of the scheme. A 404 sqm café/lobby, operated by a local provider, adds to the economic activity and creates a welcoming public realm.
Environmental sustainability is integral to the scheme. The redevelopment achieves a 68% reduction in carbon emissions compared to the pre-fire building, thanks to its focus on refurbishment over demolition, use of cross-laminated timber in new structures, and the integration of energy-efficient systems like air-source heat pumps and natural ventilation. Landscaped memorial gardens and enhanced public spaces further contribute to biodiversity and environmental quality.
Walworth Town Hall is more than a heritage restoration project—it is a blueprint for sustainable regeneration. It balances economic opportunity with cultural enrichment, environmental responsibility, and social inclusion. The scheme not only safeguards two important civic landmarks for future generations but repositions them as active, accessible and inspiring assets for the local community.
Walworth Town Hall is more than a heritage restoration project—it is a blueprint for sustainable regeneration. It balances economic opportunity with cultural enrichment, environmental responsibility, and social inclusion. The scheme not only safeguards two important civic landmarks for future generations but repositions them as active, accessible and inspiring assets for the local community.
