WALWORTH TOWN HALL

OLD WALWORTH TOWN HALL (Grade II Listed), 151 WALWORTH ROAD, LONDON, SE17

Client: London Borough of Southwark

Architect: London Borough of Southwark

Contract Value: £2m

Summary of works: Standage provided construction solutions at the time of the fire, during the immediate aftermath clear-up and then on the long term stabilisation and preservation of the building.

Description of works:

  • Complete reconstruction of the west wing roof complete with pavilions structures, welsh slates, diaper patterning, structural timber repairs and decorative lead works.
  • Specialist scaffolding support to destabilised chimney stacks, structural raking shores to stabilise 12m high unsupported masonry elevation.
  • Debris clearance including fire damaged heavy steelwork structures that had failed and collapsed during the fire.
  • Drying regime to counteract the water deluge from fighting the fire, including rot identification, removal and management.
  • Recording of historical detailing such as cornicing, decorative woodwork, original feature fireplaces and many important name boards and memorials that were displayed within the building.

Standage worked closely with English Heritage and Southwark’s own architecture and conservation departments to ensure the building was assessed, recorded, and protected as much as possible. We also worked with MOLA (Museum of London Archeology) to sift through several tonnes of charred debris to find, record and store all artefacts

 

Following a devastating fire in March 2013 to this Grade II listed building Standage were commissioned, as a trusted local major works contractor, to provide emergency support to Southwark’s officers. The building housed, not only, Southwark offices but also the former historic Council chamber and the Cuming Museum. The museum is renowned for holding the worldwide and local collections of the Cuming family as well as local and social history artefacts collected by the borough during the 20th century.