Completed in 1937, Camden Town Hall is the administrative and civic hub of the London Borough of Camden. Purcell was appointed as architects and heritage consultants, leading a multidisciplinary team

Completed in 1937, Camden Town Hall is the administrative and civic hub of the London Borough of Camden. Purcell was appointed as architects and heritage consultants, leading a multidisciplinary team before delivering the project with Lendlease as principal contractor. Core civic and democratic functions were retained to maintain and reinstate the town hall’s status as a place of community pride.

Engagement with council groups, including the Disability Oversight Committee, ensured all voices were heard. The core aim was to ensure the long-term financial and sustainable future of the building.

The building was diversified for maximum value, with upper floors converted into commercial offices and the basement providing affordable workspace for SMEs. The Camden Centre was upgraded into a high-end events space, ensuring continuous use and varied income streams. Environmental performance was enhanced through secondary glazing, full services replacement, and the installation of air-source heat pumps, including six at roof level supported by new steel structures. These upgrades resulted in an EPC rating of B, a 60% reduction in energy use, and 100% reliance on renewable energy, achieving a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.

Restoring the Town Hall in Camden presented an opportunity to safeguard a civic building for public benefit and use. In an age when interaction with local council administrations is largely carried out digitally, visits to town halls are often limited to marking life events. Yet these are some of our most cherished examples of civic architecture, standing proudly in the heart of our towns. Restoring our town halls ensures that public services remain in the heart of our communities.