Elephant and Castle

New Southwark Heritage Centre and Walworth Library

Southwark Council is honouring its commitment to provide a new heritage centre and library on the Walworth Road. On 22 January 2019, Cabinet agreed to secure units within the brand new Elephant Park development, on long-term lease from developer Lendlease. Work to prepare the new heritage centre and library has completed and we look forward to opening the facility in line with the government public health advice.

The frontage of the new heritage centre and library occupies a prominent position on the Walworth Road, adding to a streetscape of shops and restaurants. This will invite both existing and new audiences to the area and will help ensure that Walworth remains a desirable destination for all.

In addition to essential library services such as reading, community meeting space, children’s reading and rhyme time sessions, computer and internet services, the new centre will include space for heritage and cultural displays. This will create an opportunity to showcase some of the Cuming Collection and celebrate Southwark’s great heritage.

The new centre will host a rolling programme of heritage displays and educational activities for children and young people. We'll use innovative ways to engage new audiences in celebrating the heritage and culture of Southwark and use the centre as a launch pad to take our rich heritage across the borough.

Consultations

Thank you for your input into our consultation process. It has informed our designs and processes to help deliver the great new heritage centre and library.

Look and feel consultation 3

Thank you for your input into our third consultation on the detailed design of the new library and heritage centre. Please see the detailed design information and read the summary report.

Chalk and talk consultation 2

Please find the information and report for the concept design stage.

Bright ideas consultation 1

The first phase of Southwark’s consultation was to understand what people loved about libraries and museums, what they'd like to have in the new Southwark Heritage Centre and Walworth Library and to hear people's individual Southwark stories.

It's obvious from the passionate and enthusiastic responses that libraries and museums are at the heart of our communities. They help our individual and societal growth and learning throughout our lives. It's important for everyone to feel welcome at libraries and museums, and for them to provide a wide range of information, learning, activities and events. In response, we've tried to make a great place to gather and also to focus and enjoy on our own. Please find the bright ideas consultation report.

Page last updated: 11 April 2024