Lewisham Council has announced that one of Catford’s oldest buildings and the former home of Catford Constitutional Club is being restored.
The site on Catford Broadway is due to reopen in 2024 following a major renovation project, and will once again operate as a pub.
The Catford Constitutional Club was closed back in 2019 due to structural and safety concerns, with its community moving to a new interim home on Rushey Green.
The £1.65m project, funded by the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund, has been designed by Hayatsu Architects and will see the pub’s adjoining Georgian farmhouse – which dates back to 1736 – brought back to use for the first time in over 20 years.
The proprietor of the pub is yet to be announced, but the contract is likely to go to a provider who will prioritise the local community and commit to running regular performance, music and arts events, as well as operating as a pub and kitchen.
The Weekender spoke to Cllr Brenda Dacres, Cabinet Member for Housing Development and Planning, to find out more…
Holly O’Mahony (HOM): It’s always uplifting seeing a local institution restored to use after a period of closure, but is it fair to say that this is especially true in our current period of economic uncertainty?
Cllr Brenda Dacres (BD): The COVID-19 pandemic had a real impact on lots of businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry, and many traders are continuing to feel the pinch as a result of rising prices and the cost of living crisis. It’s posed challenges for the restoration works too, with the cost of construction materials and labour significantly higher than they were two years ago.
We’ve worked really hard in Lewisham to support our local businesses and these sorts of projects play an important role in attracting people into our town centres and supporting the local economy. Our vision for the future of Catford is really focused on creating a vibrant town centre and a thriving night-time economy. Bringing the former Catford Constitutional Club back into use will be an important milestone in realising this vision, creating new jobs and supporting economic recovery.
We’ve also put a real focus on social value in our brief for the new operator, with a focus on providing affordable spaces for community groups and events, as well as ensuring all the jobs pay London Living Wage.
HOM: How long has the restoration of Catford Community Club been in the pipeline?
BD: It’s always been our intention to bring the pub back into use since it was originally forced to close in 2019 due to structural and safety concerns. Obviously the pandemic put a hold on restoration works, but we’re delighted to now be in a position to move forward with this exciting project. We’re particularly grateful for the funding we’ve received from the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund which has been vital for making the restoration possible.
HOM: How did you find the right architectural firm to carry out the restoration?
BD: Hayatsu Architects were a perfect fit for this project – they specialise in public buildings with a strong emphasis on community participation. They take a bottom-up approach to create beautiful and exciting spaces which reflect the pride the community have for local landmarks like the Catford Constitutional Club and I think you can really see this in their designs for this project.
HOM: Tell us about the attached Georgian farmhouse that’s being refurbished as part of the project. What role will it play now that it’s reopening as part of the pub’s complex?
BD: The Georgian section of the building is thought to be the oldest remaining building in Catford. It has a long and varied history dating back to the 1700s and we are excited to be bringing this part of the building into public use for the first time. Unoccupied since the 1980s, for many years it has been inaccessible to anyone due to its structural instability. As part of the restoration, the original historic structure will be stabilised and preserved as much as possible.
Internally, the structure will be exposed and restored to unveil a triple-height space which will be lit from above by roof lights. The space will provide a route from the main pub spaces directly to the rear garden. There will be a new gallery walkway and platform lift which will serve all floors to ensure the building is fully accessible and inclusive to all future users. The upper floors will also give access to a new community kitchen and roof terrace, providing an exciting new use of this historic building.
Catford Constitutional Club is expected to reopen in 2024 at Catford Broadway, London SE6 4SN. For more information, visit: www.lewisham.gov.uk/inmyarea/regeneration/catford-regeneration/restoring-the-former-catford-constitutional-club
