Work starts on £9.3m project to fix Woolwich’s leaky town hall

Work is under way on a £9.3 million project to refurbish Woolwich Town Hall after water leaks forced the closure of part of the complex.

The Edwardian building opened in 1906 as the HQ of  the old Metropolitan Borough of Woolwich, whose insignia still features above the entrance and in the council chamber. It was taken over by Greenwich Council when the old boroughs merged in 1965.

The architect, Alfred Brumwell Thomas, also designed Belfast City Hall. Closer to home, he also designed Deptford Central Library on Lewisham Way, which is now the Lewisham Arthouse.

While some of the interiors of the Grade II*-listed building were refurbished about a decade ago, a lack of maintenance of the exterior has led to water leaks, while the windows are said to be in a poor condition. 

While public receptions have continued in the main Victoria Hall, underneath stained glass windows and a statue of Queen Victoria, behind it the Public Hall has been closed because the leaks have become so bad. 

Weddings and council meetings will be held as normal but some council services will move out for the duration of the works.

The council, which earlier this year made cuts of £33 million from its budget and has warned of more to come, said the money for the work came from contributions agreed with developers when they win planning permission for major schemes. This kind of funding, known as Section 106 money, is usually used for community facilities and local infrastructure.

The council did not mention the costs when it put out a press release on Thursday, but the expenditure was approved in November last year.

The works are expected to take two years and will  include repairing the roof, windows, and external facade of the building. It also includes updating the fire alarm system and lightning protection, improving the lighting and repairing the drainage system. 

Anthony Okereke, the council leader, said: “The town hall is such a beautiful and important part of Woolwich’s history. These repairs will ensure it continues to be a welcoming and well-maintained seat of the Ccouncil. We are also excited for this great opportunity to share fascinating stories about the building and Woolwich itself.” 

Majid Rahman, the cabinet member for planning and development, said: “As well as helping to protect and maintain the town hall at a high standard, these works will also bring much bigger value to our community. 

“We’re working closely with our contractor, Standage and Co. to provide apprenticeships and educational events for residents and schools. They will also be making a £10,000 donation, which will help to support some important community groups in Woolwich.”