Right here in Bexleyheath, we stand before the Bexley Civic Offices. This is more than just a building. It’s a testament to Bexley’s history and its commitment to the future.
The Bexley Civic Offices serve as the headquarters for the Bexley London Borough Council. Its story is one of evolution and adaptation. The council’s journey began in 1903. They were then located in Oak House on the Broadway.
Oak House served as the headquarters for many years. In 1932 Bexley gained municipal borough status. Oak House remained the center of operations.
However, change was on the horizon. In 1965, the Municipal Borough of Bexley merged with the Municipal Borough of Erith. The new headquarters briefly moved to Erith Town Hall.
But the council had other plans. In 1979, Oak House was demolished. Purpose-built Civic Offices opened on the same site in 1980.
Yet, this wasn’t the end of the story. The current Bexley Civic Offices have a unique past. It was originally built in 1989 for the Woolwich Building Society. Its design was like a pagoda. The cost was £10.5 million. Princess Anne officially opened it.
Barclays acquired the building society in 2000. The Watling Street building became vacant in 2005. Bexley London Borough Council needed new facilities. Their old Civic Offices were aging.
The council seized the opportunity. They purchased the Watling Street building. Mace refurbished it for £21.4 million. Bennetts Associates designed the refurbishment.
The renovation included open-plan working spaces. A new building was constructed at the rear. It housed a council chamber, a member’s area and public galleries.
In May 2014, 1,300 council staff moved in. They had previously worked in four separate locations. Boris Johnson, then Mayor of London, officially opened the new Bexley Civic Offices in October 2014.
The Bexley Civic Offices played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic. In January 2021, it became a COVID-19 testing site. Later, in June, it served as a vaccination clinic.
The Bexley Civic Offices stand as a symbol of progress. It reflects the evolving needs of the community. From its beginnings as Oak House to its current form, it’s a place where decisions are made. These decisions shape the lives of Bexley residents. It’s a fascinating blend of history and modern purpose.