Walworth Town Hall Frequently Asked Questions

1. Fire at the town hall

What was the extent of the fire damage to Walworth Town Hall? The fire caused significant damage, particularly to the roof structure, which was completely destroyed, along with the main council chamber. In addition the extensive fire services operation undertaken to extinguish the fire, resulted in further water damage to the lower floors.

What works have been undertaken on the building so far? Over the past month, Southwark’s contractors, Standage, have led on securing the building facade, extensive internal structural propping and removing structural debris. The next phase of works (to take place over the next few months) includes the construction of a temporary roof and professional assessment of the fire damage and its impact on the building structure.

Can any of the damaged building be saved? The council’s contractors worked hard to protect the building’s original historic features whilst the debris clearance and structural works were undertaken. The council have appointed a professional team to undertake a full structural condition survey which will reveal the building’s condition. More information will be provided early in 2014 when the assessment is completed.

How long will the scaffolding remain around the building? The scaffolding is required to secure and prop the building and will therefore remain in place until any new building works commence. The council are currently reviewing the extent of scaffolding required in order to reduce the impact on Wansey Street. Throughout November and December, additional scaffolding will be erected in order to form a temporary roof that will not only protect the building from further water damage, but will also assist in the drying out process.

www.southwark.gov.uk/walworthtownhall 2. One Stop Shop

Will the One Stop Shop be re-provided in the new town hall? Although a replacement One Stop Shop is not part of the strategic vision, the council are still consulting on what the local community would like to see in the rebuilt building.

Where is the interim One Stop Shop? The council has opened a brand new customer service point at 376 Walworth Road, just down the street from the town hall. The new service point offers all the same services as the One Stop Shop at the town hall, including council tax and benefits advice and rent enquiries

3. The Cuming Museum

To what extent were the collections on display in the Cuming Museum damaged? The Cuming Museum contained three galleries and they sustained major damage. However on the day of the fire the London Fire Brigade were able to recover almost all objects from the Cuming Family gallery. These items suffered water and soot damage and are subsequently being treated by specialist conservators.

The items within the History of Southwark gallery and the temporary exhibition gallery which was displaying ceramics and artworks from our collections are yet to be recovered and it is still unclear regarding the extent of the damage and loss. The items which were displayed in the galleries are a very small proportion of the Cuming Museum’s collections which are kept in secure storage, as is the norm with most museums across the UK. Our stored collections were unaffected by the fire.

How is the Cuming Museum offering a service, whilst the building is reconstructed? The Cuming Museum team are continuing to offer activities such as the family activity programme, museum’s Youth Panel and development of a new outreach session for primary schools. For more information about future events and programmes, as well as access to the museum’s collections online go to www.southwark.gov.uk/cumingmuseum

4. Newington Library

When will the library building be reopened? Although the library did not sustain fire damage, it has remained closed for a number of reasons. These include: • Rear fire exits were compromised by damage to the town hall • The basement sustained significant water damage during the fire causing damp throughout the building • There is also significant water damage to the second floor of the building where staff accommodation is located, rendering it uninhabitable • Concerns about running a safe public service adjacent to a dangerous structure and extensive high level crane works • Ongoing clearance and construction works that need to take place on the town hall site

www.southwark.gov.uk/walworthtownhall No date has been set for re-opening Newington Library. However, officers are pursuing options for a temporary alternative service. In addition to this, East Street, Camberwell and John Harvard libraries have extended their opening hours to provide an alternative service to Newington’s customers.

What is happening to the library building? A full condition survey is being undertaken to identify what needs to be done to bring the building back into safe use. Since the library closed due to the fire, round-the-clock security has been provided to safeguard the site and its contents, preventing any unauthorised access.

5. What next?

When will the town hall be rebuilt? Until we have received the feedback from the public consultation and the structural condition surveys, the council can not consider the exact nature of the rebuild. The council anticipate that the consultation and design period will take approximately 5 years. Regular updates will be provided on the council website: www.southwark.gov.uk/walworthtownhall .

What facilities will the new town hall provide? In July 2013 the council’s Cabinet approved a strategic vision for the new town hall which aspires for a 21 st century community and cultural space which we can all use and take pride in.

The vision includes: • An enhanced Newington Library space. • A space for the display of the Cuming collection and potentially a Southwark museum • A flexible space that could be used for a variety of purposes including community and civic events, exhibitions and performances. • Facilities for marriage, civil partnership and citizenship ceremonies undertaken by Southwark’s registrar service.

The council are now consulting on this vision with all local residents and key local interest groups. The results of the consultation will inform the high level brief which will be reported to the Cabinet in early 2014.

Why has it taken over 6 months to start consultation? In the immediate aftermath of the fire, the council’s priority was to secure the building, protect the historic features, and ensure the health and safety of residents in the adjoining building. These works have been undertaken thoroughly and we are now in a position to undertake meaningful consultation and dialogue.

How much will it cost to rebuild the town hall and who is paying for it? The council’s insurance will cover the cost of the reinstatement works required to bring the building up to its previous condition. However, the fire has provided an opportunity for the council to improve upon the original building. These improvements require additional funding. When these high level costs are better understood, a bid to the council’s capital programme will be made to secure the necessary funds.

www.southwark.gov.uk/walworthtownhall Will there be further consultation on the proposals to rebuild the town hall? This is the first stage in a long process of consultation and the council are committed to engaging all members of the community throughout the process. Further information can be found at www.southwark.gov.uk/walworthtownhall .

When can I see designs for the new town hall? We anticipate high level design work will start in 2014 and the council look forward to sharing these designs with the community for comment. Ahead of any planning application there will be several opportunities to view designs and speak with the design team (yet to be appointed).

How can I keep up to date with information on Walworth Town Hall You can visit the council website: www.southwark.gov.uk/walworthtownhall .