Hunters help deliver transformation at Walworth Town Hall

Walworth Town Hall has undergone a landmark transformation, emerging as a vibrant new workspace and community hub more than a decade after a devastating fire left the Grade II‑listed building severely damaged and placed on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register.

Led by architects Feix & Merlin, in collaboration with developer General Projects and Southwark Council, the refurbishment represents a major achievement in heritage‑led regeneration, combining sensitive restoration with bold contemporary interventions.

The completed scheme reopens the building as a dynamic centre for work, culture and community life. More than 550 people can now be accommodated across a mix of flexible offices, studios and coworking spaces, designed to attract creative and independent businesses. With this came the need for an extensive furniture package which has been delivered by Hunters, experts in the planning, design, procurement and installation of workplace furniture.

The project required a carefully curated furniture package that balanced strong design intent, client preferences and an understanding of the different users of the building. Hunters demonstrated they had the skills and expertise to meet this complex brief.

Hunters worked with the design team at Whitepaper to understand the brief and deliver the furniture package that spanned the full spectrum of workplace requirements. At its core, the scheme included hot‑desking solutions, ergonomic task chairs and a variety of workstations designed to accommodate different working styles and levels of occupancy. These were complemented by a suite of meeting room tables and seating options, ensuring that both formal and informal collaboration could take place comfortably and efficiently.

To enhance the social and communal character of the building, a wide range of breakout and collaboration furniture was introduced. This included sofas, armchairs and coffee tables that encouraged interaction, relaxation and creative exchange. Rugs and soft furnishings were included to add warmth, texture and acoustic comfort, helping to soften the historic interior and create a welcoming atmosphere throughout.

Understanding the Client Vision

From the outset, the vision for the interior was clear. The client had a strong design sense and an appreciation for Scandinavian aesthetics. They were familiar with Danish brands including HAY, Normann Copenhagen and Fredericia, which helped Hunters shape the early direction of the scheme.

The clarity of the brief enabled the initial design stages, where Hunters presented ideas and concepts, to become a collaborative process - when presented with options, the client responded decisively, allowing the design team to refine the palette quickly.

Hunters drew on its extensive supplier network to assemble a varied and complementary furniture package. Although Scandinavian design influenced the brief, the final selection incorporated a broader European mix, including UK and Spanish manufacturers. This ensured the scheme felt cohesive, characterful and commercially balanced.

Sustainability credentials were also considered during the selection process. Hunters recommended several suppliers that offered strong environmental performance, aligning with the client’s broader values.

A Detailed, Iterative Design Process

The project followed a structured, multi‑stage design and approval process. Whitepaper provided initial visual concepts, which Hunters used to propose furniture options aligned with aesthetic, budget and functional requirements. For each item, multiple alternatives were presented at similar price points, allowing the design team to refine the scheme without compromising the overall vision.

These proposals were compiled into a comprehensive furniture schedule, which was reviewed with Whitepaper before being presented to the client. Feedback loops were essential: items were swapped, colours adjusted and layouts refined as the design evolved.

Once the shortlist was more defined, Hunters organised showroom visits. This allowed the client to test products in person. Where brands didn’t have UK showrooms, the team arranged samples to be delivered to ensure the client could assess quality and comfort first‑hand. This approach was essential for brands whose products the client admired but could not view locally. This tactile stage was crucial in confirming comfort, finishes and build quality.

Following these sessions, Hunters updated quotations, finalised specifications and worked with the designers to complete the finishes package. This ensured the client had full visibility of every material, colour and texture before sign‑off.

As with many projects, the scheme evolved over time. Spaces were reconfigured, palettes shifted and certain items were replaced as the client’s understanding of the building deepened. Hunters remained closely involved throughout, adapting proposals and maintaining alignment between design intent, budget and practical delivery.

The Outcome

The completed project provides an elegant, flexible, multi‑use workspace that expertly respects its heritage character. Hunters has delivered a beautifully furnished workspace that blends Scandinavian influences with a wider European aesthetic, all tailored to the unique character of the historic building.

The careful balance of restoration and renewal has not only revived a much‑loved local landmark but also removed it from the Heritage at Risk register, a testament to the quality and ambition of the work.

Walworth Town Hall now stands as a benchmark for adaptive reuse, demonstrating how historic buildings can be sensitively transformed to meet contemporary needs while retaining their architectural and cultural significance.

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