Standing tall on Walworth Road since 1894, Walworth Town Hall has long been a landmark of South London. But after it was ravaged by a fire in 2013, it lay dormant and damaged for over a decade. Now following a restoration by Southwark Council and developer General Projects, the Hall reopened in January this year, breathing new life into a cherished civic space.
Once an Army Recruiting office during the Great War, the Grade II listed hall is now home to a range of furnished co-working offices, a pan-Asian cafe from Jusu Brothers and the return of the former Newington Library and Cuming Museum.
The 2013 fire started in the former council chamber and there is now a generation of Southwark residents who have only ever seen the Town Hall boarded up. Opening to this group for the first time, developers aimed to ensure the hall caters for all ages.
At the heart of the revived Hall is the purpose-built Community Space, a collaboration between Southwark Council and General People. The partnership aims to increase community engagement, support local talents, and provide a versatile environment for various gatherings, from workshops and classes to meetings and social events.
It opened in December last year and hosts a range of events on a donation basis, designed specifically for the local people in mind. There’s something for all abilities and beginners are encouraged, from weekly vinyasa yoga, pilates, line dancing and Tai Chi.
“We really want to share the community side and get more people involved,” says Tea Karulia, general manager at Walworth Town Hall. “It’s a shame more people don’t know about it. It’s so good for everyone’s well-being to be moving more.
“It’s on a donation basis,” says Tea, “which means you can donate 5p and join these classes.”
With the cost of exercise classes continuing to rise, these community sessions are a low-cost and truly accessible way to stay active and socialise with other members of the local community too.
The Community Space and meeting room can also be rented out by individuals and businesses. So far, the programme has included street dance reiki meditation and even tarot readings. For community organisers running free public events, the space can be used at no charge.
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The venue has also caught the attention of the creative sector. It’s recently featured in a documentary produced by Studio Lenca, in a film amplifying Latin American voices in London. The Hall is now in talks with several production companies to bring even more opportunities to local residents.
If you are making a quick visit, there’s a pan-Asian cafe on-site offering healthy food and drink options for both the public and users of the hall. Jusu Brothers champions nutritious food and celebrates vibrant flavours.
Main meals include Bento boxes, Salmon Teriyaki Salad, Chicken Banh-Mi and Poke Bowls, alongside a selection of fresh juices and hot drinks.
For remote workers seeking a comfortable working environment away from their own home, hot desk memberships are available for £12 per day or £99 per month, giving access to communal desks and meeting areas.
The 50,000 sq ft civic building has been restored to its former glory, with efforts by Peckham-based architects Feix and Marlin to retain the building’s historic features. This is demonstrated in the Newington Library located upstairs, where those seeking a quieter co-working space away from the cafe can secure a desk for £300 a month to work in the beautiful surroundings.
Dilber Mogal from General People, said that local community feedback has been extremely positive: “Especially when you take them round where the kids’ library used to be,” Dilber tells the South Londoner. “They say, ‘I used to come here when I was five, it looks completely different!’”
The fire-damaged council chamber has been built with a new ceiling and there is a new grand entrance leading to Walworth Square.
For businesses looking for a unique permanent home, there are numerous office spaces available for rent upstairs, which are all newly renovated with subtle nods to the Hall’s late Victorian history.
Tea, the general manager, sums up the hall: “The building itself is truly special. It’s a beautiful blend of original features and modern design, with the new furniture perfectly complementing the historic architecture.”
Walworth Town Hall sits in a space that has been witness to mass redevelopment since it first opened its doors in the late 19th century, particularly in recent decades. Surrounded by sleek, high-rise developments, the hall reclaims a vital piece of Walworth’s rich history.
Its restoration is a refreshing counterpoint to the rapid urban transformation around it, offering a sense of character, and community in a landscape that’s constantly evolving.
Location: Walworth Town Hall, 151-155 Walworth Road, London, SE17 1RS
Community Space enquiries: [email protected]
Jusu Brothers opening times: Monday-Friday 8am-4pm
