A Historic venue in Catford that has held many titles–a farmhouse, clubhouse, pub– is now set to open as a community space in the autumn, writes Abigail Finney…
Greenwich Co-operative Development Agency (GCDA), the new operator of the former Catford Constitutional Club, is working to include a restored pub and garden, a new community kitchen and flexible smaller spaces.
The project also means, for the first time ever, Catford’s oldest building, the original Georgian Hall, will be opening to the public.
“Imagine a place where the warmth of a classic British pub meets the soul of the community,” Claire Pritchard, CEO of GCDA, said. “We’re not just pouring pints, we’re creating a space where neighbours become friends, local musicians and artists find their voice, and fresh, locally sourced food fuels meaningful conversations.”
As a not-for-profit organisation, GCDA has been working for over 40 years to create community hubs in southeast London. The organisation is a London Living Wage employer, meaning it emphasises creating local jobs and supporting nearby businesses by sourcing from local suppliers, which gives back to the local economy. For The Catford House, it has partnered with Portobello Brewery, who also operate The Catford Bridge Tavern, and others to bring their vision to life.
“GCDA has been working in Lewisham for nearly fifteen years and has always wanted a base there, a place to grow roots and connect with the community,” Pritchard said. “Our search ended when we found the former Catford Constitutional Club, a building that holds a special place in the hearts of many.”
This restoration project not only means a permanent home for GCDA, but also marks the start of a new partnership with the Lewisham Council. Both sides wanted to make sure the new space was more than a place to grab a drink, but a real hub for the community.
It is set to offer a broad range of programmes, everything from casual social gatherings and private parties, food pop-ups to exercise classes, clubs, workshops, meetings, exhibitions and performances.
“The Catford House is a vibrant example of the Council’s ambitions for Catford brought to life,” Cllr James-J Walsh, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration and Planning, and Rushey Green ward councillor said. “This is regeneration with a clear social purpose, bringing together conservation, culture and community to transform Catford’s almost 300-year-old building into a space shaped by, and for, local people.”
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The property, a council-owned asset, is being supported by a £1.8 million contribution from the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund.
“This marks the start of an exciting chapter for Catford,” Mayor of Lewisham, Brenda Dacres OBE said. “This new multipurpose community venue will breathe life into this area as well as creating new local jobs, opportunities for Lewisham businesses and a boost to our cultural and creative scene.
This project, led by Turner Works and Hayatsu architect, marks a stepstone to Phase 1 of the Catford Town Centre Framework. Adopted by the council in 2021, the framework aims to tackle projects such as making Catford carbon neutral by 2030, building 2,700 homes in the coming decades, and making the heart of Catford town centre largely car-free in order to help to improve air quality and road safety.
