Lewisham Library, Archive, Culture and Business Hub
A Flagship Civic and Cultural Anchor for Lewisham
00 are leading the transformation of Lewisham Library into a new Library, Culture and Business Hub, creating a vibrant civic and cultural centre at the heart of the town. Won via the GLA A+U Framework and funded by the Levelling Up Fund, the project reimagines a disused 1960s telephone exchange as a modern, multi-use building that brings learning, culture, enterprise, and community life together under one roof. 00 has been working closely with our long-time collaborators public works, Webb Yates, and Mensura. The scheme is now on site.
This project forms part of a £24m investment in Lewisham Town Centre, combining £19m of Levelling Up funding with £5m of Council match funding. Alongside the Library Hub, the programme will also rejuvenate Lewisham Market and improve the high street, creating a stronger civic and cultural identity for the town centre.
Architecture00
public works
Webb Yates
Mensura
Cahill Design Consultants
Client: London Borough of Lewisham
Location: Lewisham
Scale: 3,700 sqm
Cost: £6.5m
The Strategy
00’s design maximises the potential of the existing four-storey structure, reorienting the entrance towards a new pocket park to animate the public realm and improve safety. Publicly accessible floor space is significantly expanded, ensuring the Hub becomes a lively destination throughout the day and into the evening. The project is developed through extensive engagement with local groups and stakeholders, embedding social value and community voice in every stage.
The Programme
Library and Archives
Reprovided and upgraded services, with collections made more visible and accessible to the public. A dedicated children’s library offers spaces tailored to young readers.
Performance and Event Spaces
Flexible venues supported by a ground floor café and kitchen, designed for both daytime use and evening cultural programming. The café spills out onto the pocket park, activating the public realm and creating an inviting social space.
Business Hub
Coworking, offices, meeting rooms, and shared amenities that support start-ups, SMEs, and affordable workspace provision.
Learning and Training Spaces
Rooms for adult education, incubation programmes, and community-led initiatives, alongside IT suites and mentoring spaces to promote employment opportunities.
Wider Impact
The design embeds revenue-generating opportunities—from bookable event spaces to flexible workspace memberships—ensuring the Hub’s long-term sustainability. By combining high-quality library and cultural services with enterprise and learning spaces, the project supports local economic growth, creates jobs, and strengthens the town centre’s night-time economy.
Engagement
The project is shaped by input from over 30 local organisations, including Lewisham Youth Theatre, the Young Mayors, and the Deaf and Disabled People’s Commission. This collaborative process, led by public works has influenced everything from programme mix to accessibility, ensuring the Hub reflects Lewisham’s diversity and aspirations.
The Lewisham Library, Culture and Business Hub is a significant investment in the future of the town centre: a landmark project that revitalises a key community asset while fostering cultural, social, and economic growth.