Flexible workspace provider Clockwise opened their second London location earlier this year, as part of a major regeneration project at Bromley Old Town Hall.

The development breathes a new lease of life into this much-loved historic local landmark and hopes to encourage further investment into the local area. The Bromley Old Town Hall site is Clockwise’s largest yet spanning over 62,000 sq. ft. The business hub includes a range of facilities with dedicated offices, private desks, a podcast room, members’ lounge, café, and terrace. The new facilities are the next level of flexible workspaces with post Covid working patterns heavily influencing the design.

The design concept takes inspiration from the building’s past whilst bringing it into the 21^st century. Originally built in 1907, the part-Grade II listed building stood vacant for more than a decade before the redevelopment works began. The building was added to the Heritage at Risk register in 2009 before Castleforge, the parent company of Clockwise took on the lead tenancy securing the hall’s future. The building has now been sensitively restored by leading architect Cartwright Pickard, and designers Fusion Interiors Group.

PREMIER CONSTRUCTION spoke with Hilary Lancaster, CEO and Creative Director of Fusion Interiors Group who said: “We were very lucky with this project as it gave us a wealth of inspiration. The history of the building is fascinating; it functioned as the Town Courthouse in the 1900’s. The original building dates back to this time and an additional part was added in the 1930’s. This means that there is a wonderful mix of the two styles woven through our design. We also took inspiration from Bromley and discovered that Charles Darwin lived in and produced some of his most well-known works in this curious town.”

The team took care to retain many of the building’s original details and materials, keeping its distinct character alive. Standout features include the striking grand entrance hall which houses the reception area, flanked with four giant fluted concrete columns clad in beautiful green marble. Three large stained-glass windows take centre stage in the former old Council Chambers, and vaulted doors remain in the former ‘holding cells’ of the old Courthouse.

Hilary explained: “We have used a colour theme of green throughout the whole building which was inspired by Darwin and his love of plants. In the basement there are still the prison cells from the courthouse period which we converted into ‘prison-cell meeting rooms’ which have colourful artworks inspired David Bowie who also grew up in Bromley.”
Alexandra Brunner, Chief Operating Officer at Clockwise said: “This location was chosen because of Bromley’s vibrant town centre and community – with an economy which exceeds 13,000 businesses. Its high levels of employment, skilled workforce, and burgeoning start-up scene with higher-than-average survival rates make it a natural centre for business. Bromley is the only London borough with a dedicated business airport within its boundaries – and has the second highest Public Transport Accessibility Level making it a great centre for commerce. We are very much looking forward to joining the local community.” Works are continuing at Bromley Old Town Hall to add further amenities and facilities which are scheduled to open in 2023.