Colman Architects was appointed by Elmbridge Borough Council to restore a locally-listed, Victorian brick building, originally a school house and more recently home to the Walton Library.

The newly created ‘Community Hub’ brought life back to the building which had been held in high regard by its local residents. It became home to the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), together with other community-serving organisations.

A new glazed porch was designed to give emphasis to the main, public entrance. Landscaping of the external areas included an internal courtyard for use by staff and a small public square at the front of the building, accessed directly from the High Street.

The original single-storey building was converted to create a mezzanine floor providing additional accommodation for twenty desk spaces; including a manager’s office and private office for use by the CAB – a valuable and cost effective addition to the original footprint. The ground floor level accommodation is used by the Police and Counselling Partnership.

The repairs and restoration of this locally-listed building ensure the longer term sustainability as well as positively contributing to the streetscape along the High Street.

Colman Architects was nominated for two categories of the LABC South East Awards for our work on the Elmbridge Community Hub and won an award in the Best Change of Use of an Existing Building or Conversion category.

“The refurbishment of this old Victorian building has proved to be a real success”
— Mike Bennison , Elmbridge Mayor