Historic Catford venue to reopen as community hub under new operator
After extensive restoration, the former Catford Constitutional Club and original farmhouse will open this autumn as The Catford House – a new community venue operated by the Greenwich Co-operative Development Agency (GCDA).
Since 2021, the Council has worked with conservation experts to uncover hidden details of the building’s former lives - as a farmhouse, clubhouse, pub and now a space for the whole community to enjoy.
Visitors can look forward to the restored pub and garden, a new community kitchen, flexible smaller spaces and Catford’s oldest building, the original Georgian Hall, opening to the public for the first time.
New operator, GCDA, is a not-for-profit organisation with over forty years' experience creating community hubs in southeast London, shaping each project around local needs. Having worked in the borough for the last fifteen years, GCDA is thrilled to have found a permanent home in the heart of Catford - marking the start of an exciting new partnership with the Council.
GCDA shares our belief that The Catford House should be about more than drinking and will offer a broad range of programmes, everything from casual social gatherings and private parties, food pop-ups to exercise classes, clubs, workshops, meetings, exhibitions and performances. Residents and local groups are invited to shape the future of The Catford House by submitting ideas for events and activities to GCDA.
GCDA is a London Living Wage employer, creating local jobs and supporting nearby businesses by sourcing from local suppliers, which gives back to the local economy. For The Catford House, it has partnered with Portobello Brewery, who also operate The Catford Bridge Tavern, and others to bring their vision to life. Local businesses and community groups are encouraged to get in touch about potential collaborations and partnership opportunities.
The refurbishment of this valued Council-owned asset is supported by a £1.8 million contribution from the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund.
The nearly complete transformation, led by Turner Works and Hayatsu architect, marks a major milestone in Phase 1 of the Catford Town Centre Framework. Shaped by the voices of thousands of residents, the framework sets out the vision for the future of Catford and was adopted by the Council in 2021.
The Catford House reflects the Council’s vision for Lewisham becoming a cultural neighbourhood in the wider London landscape. It delivers on the Council’s missions to build an economy that works for everyone, with local partnerships and local people at the heart of the Council’s work.
Earlier this year, Thomas Lane Yard, a significant housing and mixed-use regeneration scheme, was unanimously approved by the Council, transforming an underused carpark north of Catford Broadway. With over a hundred new affordable homes, green public spaces, commercial and affordable workspace – it will offer fantastic new opportunities for residents and businesses alike.
Mayor of Lewisham, Brenda Dacres OBE said:
“This marks the start of an exciting chapter for Catford. This new multipurpose community venue will breathe life into this area as well as creating new local jobs, opportunities for Lewisham businesses and a boost to our cultural and creative scene.
“With support from the Mayor’s Good Growth Fund, we’ve been working hard to bring back this valued asset back to the Catford community. GCDA are an experienced, ambitious and collaborative operator and I am confident that they will make a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.”
Cllr James-J Walsh, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration and Planning, and Rushey Green ward councillor said:
“The Catford House is a vibrant example of the Council’s ambitions for Catford brought to life. This is regeneration with a clear social purpose, bringing together conservation, culture and community to transform Catford’s almost 300-year-old building into a space shaped by, and for, local people.
“Alongside the 100 per cent affordable Thomas Lane Yard development, it marks another significant step forward in our long-term plan for high-quality, community-focussed regeneration. As a council we are investing in people and places, and making sure public assets work for the public good. This is regeneration with our values embedded into it, shaped by the community and built to last.”
Claire Pritchard CEO of the Greenwich Cooperative Development Agency (GCDA) said:
“GCDA has been working in Lewisham for nearly fifteen years and has always wanted a base there, a place to grow roots and connect with the community. Our search ended when we found the former Catford Constitutional Club, a building that holds a special place in the hearts of many.
"Imagine a place where the warmth of a classic British pub meets the soul of the community. We're not just pouring pints, we're creating a space where neighbours become friends, local musicians and artists find their voice, and fresh, locally sourced food fuels meaningful conversations.”