Walworth Town Hall set to be turned into workspaces, arts and community centre and cafe

A fire-ravaged Grade-II listed former museum could be turned into a community hub after development was approved by town hall planners.

Plans for a new arts and community centre, café and studio workspaces as part of the refurbishment of Walworth Town Hall and former library space have been approved by Southwark council’s planning committee.

The former home to the Newington Library and Cuming Museum has been unusable since it was devastated by fire in March 2013.

The regeneration scheme, delivered by General Projects in partnership with Southwark council, will restore the South London landmark which has been placed on the Heritage at Risk Register since the fire.

The restoration work has had to be funded by developers – otherwise the building would have been at further risk of being lost.

It will have flexible studio and work spaces for start-ups and small businesses across 50,000 sq ft. The refurbishment includes a new third floor and mezzanine level within the former council chamber, and aims to draw in creatives to increase footfall in the historic area.

Dedicated community spaces in the former Newington Library will be available for public events, performances, art classes and community meetings.

A new ground floor entrance into Walworth Square will connect the town hall to the council’s new venue for the Southwark Heritage Centre and Walworth Library.

There will be new landscaping for the memorial garden at the front of the building along Walworth Road.

Cllr Stephanie Cryan, cabinet member for jobs, culture and skills, said: “Our decision to approve plans for the Walworth Town Hall means we’re one step closer to bringing one of the borough’s most historic and recognisable civic buildings back into public use for current and future generations to enjoy.

“We recognised that maintaining public accessibility was among the local community’s top priorities, and so these plans ensure a significant amount of the building, including the new café, can still be accessed by all.

“We’re delighted that creatives and start-ups from across the borough can look forward to the town hall’s new studio and work spaces with co-working memberships that will offer full access to services, including free WiFi, meeting rooms and business mentoring.

“We’re especially proud to offer a number of memberships at a reduced rate for Southwark residents, ensuring this new culture hub is genuinely affordable and accessible to the local community.”

Pictured top: Walworth Town Hall