Walworth Town Hall: A Heritage Icon Reimagined for the Modern Era.
Nominated for both Building of the Year and Sustainable Building of the Year, Walworth Town Hall stands as a shining example of how heritage and contemporary design can come together in perfect harmony.
Once a bustling civic center, the building has been derelict since a devastating fire in 2013. Now, a visionary restoration project promises to return it to its former glory, breathing new life into a true architectural landmark.
The project brings together the talents of Feix & Merlin, Heyne Tillett Steel, and RED, who have approached the restoration with a deep respect for the building’s heritage, which dates back to 1894. At the same time, they have introduced modern interventions that make the space functional for contemporary use. Central to the design is a free-to-use community hub, alongside flexible event and workspace areas for independent creative ventures.
Restoration work carefully preserves original features, while thoughtful additions include new vertical extensions and roofs constructed from cross-laminated timber (CLT), ensuring sustainability is at the heart of the building’s transformation. A newly designed core area enhances accessibility, featuring a Lyfthaus double scissor mechanism platform lift. With its frameless, matte black steel finish, the lift is both functional and a striking design feature that complements the heritage fabric beautifully.
Walworth Town Hall is more than a restoration project—it’s a celebration of history, sustainability, and community. Once reopened, it will stand not just as a building, but as a hub for creativity, connection, and culture.
