Plans to transform London's former City Hall, now known as 110 The Queen’s Walk, have been given the green light by Southwark Council, marking a significant step in revitalising the iconic but long-vacant building. The approved conversion will see the structure repurposed into a vibrant mixed-use development, incorporating offices, shops, cafés, restaurants, and a market hall adjacent to the sunken “Scoop” amphitheatre seating area. This redevelopment aims to breathe new life into a building that has stood empty since 2021, following the Greater London Authority’s move to a smaller venue in the Royal Docks.

Originally designed by Foster & Partners, the building’s distinctive curved glass form, sometimes dubbed the “glass testicle,” will be retained, although the proposal includes the removal of its glass shell and the addition of new balconies carved out of the glass, enhancing both its architectural character and usability. The redesign, developed by architectural firms Gensler and LDA Design, focuses not only on refurbishing the building but also on enhancing the surrounding public realm. Plans call for increased biodiversity and improvements to the “Scoop,” aiming to make the space greener and more inviting for public use.

The project is presented as a key opportunity to bring an important London landmark back into active use while contributing to the wider regeneration of the Bermondsey area. The architectural adjustment and commercial reimagining emphasize flexible usage, with partial demolition and extension works programmed to create adaptable office and retail spaces suited to modern business and leisure needs. Additionally, the public realm improvements are intended to create high-quality, accessible spaces for visitors and workers alike, with Southwark Council weighing the proposals carefully to minimise any negative impact on local transport and heritage.

The redevelopment timeline is now clearer, with enabling works scheduled to commence in August 2025 and the main construction phase following from February 2026, aiming for completion by summer 2028. Construction updates indicate measures will be in place to reduce disruption during the build, including noise and dust monitoring, acoustic barriers, and road cleaning, reflecting a commitment to community engagement and environmental sensitivity.

This long-awaited renovation represents a fresh chapter for a building that has symbolised London’s governance but also suffered from stalled progress and neglect. With the removal of some original features such as the spiral staircase and a more pronounced commercial focus, there is a palpable shift in the building’s role, from public government headquarters to a vibrant commercial and community hub designed to stimulate economic activity and public enjoyment in the heart of Southwark.

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Source: Noah Wire Services