The Catford House: Catford's newest community venue is now open
The building has been transformed into a warm, welcoming and accessible space at the heart of Catford. It is now operated by Greenwich Co-operative Development Agency (GCDA), a trusted not-for-profit organisation with a long record of creating successful community hubs across southeast London.
Since 2021, the Council has partnered with conservation experts to restore and celebrate the heritage features of this historic building. This restoration has been supported through a £1.8 million contribution from the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund and funding from the Council.
Today, visitors to The Catford House can enjoy a transformed space, with a refurbished pub hall, landscaped garden, two versatile smaller spaces, perfect for workshops or smaller bookings, and a newly installed lift, making it accessible for everyone for the first time. Launching in the new year, the community kitchen will provide hands-on training opportunities and host pop-ups for aspiring chefs. The pub kitchen will also open in the new year, offering delicious meals to the community.
The new operator, GCDA, is a not-for-profit organisation with over 40 years' experience creating community hubs in southeast London, shaping each project around local needs. The Catford House will be much more than just a pub, offering a broad range of programmes from casual gatherings, private parties, pop-ups, fitness classes, workshops, exhibitions and more.
At the rear, the original Georgian Hall and oldest part of the building, has been carefully restored. This light-filled and open-air space has never been open to the public before and will be used for community gatherings, art and live performances.
GCDA is a London Living Wage employer, creating local jobs and supporting nearby businesses by sourcing from local suppliers including Mont 58 Coffee and Catford Rhum Arrange, giving back to the local economy. The Catford House is also partnering with Portobello Brewery, operators of the nearby Catford Bridge Tavern, to help stock the bar.
This major restoration, led by Turner Works and Hayatsu Architects, 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 is a venue with community at its heart so if you’re a local group, creative, aspiring food business, supplier or resident who is interested in hiring a space, hearing about upcoming opportunities or partnering, please get in touch with GCDA on thecatfordhouse@gcda.org.uk to discuss your options:
Councillor James-J Walsh, Lewisham Council’s Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration and Planning, and Rushey Green ward councillor, said:
“Catford has been clear about what it wants – warm, welcoming places where people can come together, feel connected and see real change taking shape close to home. The opening of The Catford House is an important step forward.
“More than a pub, it’s a space for everyday life, to meet friends and family, enjoy food and drink, learn new skills, support local creatives and feel part of a safer, more vibrant Catford.
“This transformation led by the Council, with support from the GLA, brings a historic building back into public use. GCDA, as the new housekeepers, will now help shape its future alongside our residents.
“The Catford House shows our ongoing commitment to regeneration that puts local people first, I’m excited for the opening and hope to see lots of you there.”
Claire Pritchard, CEO of GCDA, said
“The Catford House represents a milestone for GCDA. For nearly fifteen years we’ve been part of the fabric of Lewisham, and securing a permanent home here marks a profound moment for us. The former Catford Constitutional Club is a building rich with memory, and by transforming it into The Catford House we’re honouring a historic legacy whilst building something new for the future.
Our vision is to create a pub with purpose - a 21st century social club, where good food and good conversation go hand in hand with community action. At a time when so many public spaces are disappearing, we want The Catford House to remain open and accessible to all. We hope The Catford House becomes a blueprint for what’s possible when communities take charge of their own spaces and futures. GCDA’s approach is about working with communities, not just in them - listening, learning, and building together. This is just the beginning”.