“Greenwich West Community and Arts Centre” rings with history. Here at 141 Greenwich High Road stands a building of diverse past and present. It serves today as a hub for community activities. But its story begins much earlier.
Originally known as West Greenwich House or the Old Town Hall the building has been around for quite some time. It began its life as the headquarters for the Greenwich District Board of Works. The foundation stone was laid in April 1877. Thomas Norfolk proprietor of the Deptford Brewery officiated in his role as chairman. Architect William Wallen designed it in the Italianate style. William Tongue of Plumstead built it. The cost was £9500.
Let’s picture the original design. The main frontage faced Greenwich High Road. It featured a symmetrical design with three bays. The central bay was slightly recessed and had an oval-shaped portico. Doric order columns supported an entablature and a balustraded parapet. The doorway was flanked by Doric pilasters supporting a frieze and cornice. The first floor had a cross window also flanked by Doric pilasters. The outer bays had sash windows on the ground floor. Tripartite round-headed windows adorned the first floor. A central squat clock tower with an ogee-shaped dome topped the building.
Inside the building the board room measured 57.5 feet long and 40 feet wide. It was a grand space for important decisions.
In 1900 the building became home to the Metropolitan Borough of Greenwich. However the council soon outgrew the space. Civic leaders decided to build a new town hall on Royal Hill. They relocated there in 1939.
During the Second World War a room in the old town hall served the Local Defence Volunteers. Tragedy struck on July 12 1944. A V-1 flying bomb severely damaged the building. Many terraced houses to the west were destroyed.
Post-war the building was repurposed. The local Housing Department and the Ministry of Works occupied parts of it. In 1955 it became a community centre. “Meals on wheels” and other services were offered from 1957. It was renamed West Greenwich House in 1958.
The centre transitioned to community management in January 1994. Today Greenwich West Community and Arts Centre continues to serve. Music and other classes are held here. It remains a vital venue for local activities.
If you want to reach out to Greenwich West Community and Arts Centre you can email bookings@greenwichwest.org.uk. Call them at 020 8333 0086.
The Greenwich British Rail and DLR station are a short walk away. Bus routes 177 180 199 and 386 also stop nearby.
From municipal headquarters to community hub Greenwich West Community and Arts Centre reflects the evolving needs of this area of London.