Lambeth (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Lambeth’s restored Brockwell Hall has been granted an events licence, now cleared to host community gatherings after a £3.9 million Lottery‑funded renovation.
Located at the peak of Brockwell Park, Brockwell Hall is a Georgian grand home that has been Grade II listed for more than 200 years.
A significant £7.7 million restoration design was completed on the ancient structure, which included a £3.9 million public Lottery Heritage Fund award.
The licensing council of Lambeth Council approved an operation last month, allowing the position to host a variety of events similar to live and listed music performances, inner athletic events, and alcohol deals.
One of the council’s members, Lambeth Events, had proposed the plans.
Brockwell Hall has already hosted nine Temporary Event Notices (TENs) so far this year, including community events, private celebrations and weddings which have all reportedly received no noise complaints.
Lucy Zaman, who was speaking on behalf of Lambeth Events, said:
“Our vision is to reactivate this heritage building into a self-sustaining and vibrant hub for the local community and visitors to the borough.
The venue is not primarily a music venue, it will be a venue for celebrations, meetings and community events where recorded and live entertainment may be played – indoor sound levels will be limited to a maximum of 90 decibels.”
Mrs Zaman added:
“Within the courtyard, only background amplified sound will be played. Levels will be carefully monitored and controlled to reduce impact.
There will primarily be acoustic music for celebratory events rather than high-volume performances and after 9pm, all external doors will remain closed to prevent noise transmission beyond the premises with the exception of a fire evacuation.”
The licensing plans had received 37 objections from local residents, who raised public safety concerns and the impact “noise nuisance” could have on those living nearby.
One objector said:
“The activities taking place within Brockwell Hall must complement the character of Brockwell Park, not impose upon it. It is essential that clear, enforceable sound limits are set for all events inside the building to ensure that private functions do not disrupt the quiet enjoyment of the surrounding gardens and open spaces.
There should be no blanket permission for outdoor amplified sound or other noise-generating events. Any such activity should be subject to strict controls and be the exception, not the norm.”
She told the committee:
“We could have 200 people on Friday and Saturday [up until] midnight with amplified music till 9pm and a brass brand and an orchestra in the courtyard leaving in a drunken state and booking Ubers or electric bikes and completely ignoring security guards.
My problem with it is there should be far, far more clarity about what the actual limits are, I think it’s not acceptable for this licence to be granted without that.”
Later on in the meeting, Mrs Zaman said the type of events Lambeth Events was expecting were weddings and potentially markets.
She said:
“I’m very comfortable if the committee wanted to set a background limit for the court yard…if the committee felt there was an appropriate background level, I think we’d all be absolutely comfortable with that so that we can separate the two out.
The venue does have glass doors and we keep them shut as much as possible but that is one of the key accesses in and out and that ultimately means we want to try and do this in the most respectful way we can.”
The committee agreed to postpone reaching a decision for five working days at the conclusion of the meeting.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service( LDRS) was informed before this month that the license had been approved, subject to a number of fresh conditions, including the prohibition of the use of speakers or other sound- amplifying bias in any out-of-door space of the structure, including but not confined to the yard.
Additionally, for events with amplified sound, all event area windows and doors must stay closed after 9 p.m.
Are there parking and accessibility arrangements at the hall?
There’s parking available nearby, with specific vittles for blue emblem holders to ensure accessible parking close to the venue. While on point parking is limited, indispensable parking options live around Brockwell Park and the girding area.
The hall is designed to be accessible to individualities with mobility challenges. It provides step-free access to main event spaces and accessible restrooms. Staff are available to help guests with special access requirements.
The venue ensures easy entry for guests with disabilities, including wheelchair druggies, and makes reasonable lodging for hail or visual impairments to insure an inclusive experience.
Overall, Brockwell Hall prioritizes availability and makes arrangements to ensure that all guests, including those attending marriages and events, can pierce the venue comfortably and accessible.