On 2 March 2022, we started work on Walworth Town Hall and the former Newington Library.
Our goal is to repair these historic buildings and put them back to good use. The project is run by General Projects and the architects Feix&Merlin, in partnership with the council.
When the town hall reopens, it will offer a variety of work spaces for start-ups and small businesses, along with a public café and community areas. Part of the building, like the old council chambers, will be open for public events at least 12 days a year.
In June 2017, the Cabinet decided to look for market interest for arts and culture activities in the town hall. Public consultation showed the importance of keeping the building accessible to the public and preserving its historic character.
You can view the Cabinet report and decision on the Walworth Town Hall Mandate Review page.
On 12 March 2019, the Cabinet agreed that General Projects would take on the Walworth Town Hall project.
You can view the Cabinet report and decision on the Walworth Town Hall Investment Proposal page.
Initially, we set aside £20 million to refurbish the town hall. But when we expanded the project to include the old Newington Library and assessed the building's condition, the costs rose to between £36-£40 million.
We also realised that we did not need the entire building complex for its services. Given the budget constraints and other funding needs, we decided not to proceed with the project as originally planned.
Visit the General Projects website for details on the Walworth Town Hall project.
Visit the Feix&Merlin website for details on the Walworth Town Hall project.