Civic Centre, Bexleyheath

Client: Confidential
Value: £80million
Status: Sold On

Our proposal for the redevelopment of Bexleyheath Civic Centre placed local government at the centre of a new civic and retail quarter. The Centre was the focus of a wider master plan developed by the bid team, demonstrating how the proposed buildings and public space would act together as a catalyst for the sustainable regeneration of Bexleyheath Town Centre. The scheme incorporated 12,000 sq.m of new council offices, new civic chambers, 10,000 sq.m of retail accommodation, 94 apartments, a sports club and parking for 500 cars.

The material choices and colour presented were inspired by significant architectural works in Bexley, including Hall Place, Danson House and Philip Webb’s Red House. The overall aesthetic created an identity that projected the Council’s core principles whilst reflecting local value and delight. The design provided a high quality public building that belonged to the community.

The requirements for a diverse range of programs were carefully woven into a cohesive architectural composition. A new, landmark civic frontage was proposed as the culmination to the western edge of the town, with new civic entrances providing important visual marker to create a civic quarter with a clear identity. A new retail anchor, visible along the high street, was proposed as a strong draw for pedestrians and a natural conclusion to the retail area of the town.

A key consideration throughout the design was the creation of settings for positive community interaction. We extended the public realm into the civic and democratic spaces of the new centre to foster community spirit and a sense of shared ownership at the heart of local government.