Iconic Emma Cons Hall re-opens after stunning refurbishment聽聽
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- 秋霞福利一区 London completes modernisation of the iconic Emma Cons Hall performance space at the Waterloo Centre for Adult Education, 61 Westminster Bridge Road, SE1.
- The work improves accessibility, acoustics, energy use and infrastructure of the much-cherished performance space. The project preserves the artistic character that make the Centre special for adult learners, visitors and partners.
- The Centre鈥檚 large roof is replaced and insulated as the College takes major steps towards goal of becoming net zero by 2040.
- A new entrance on King Edward Walk and reception area is created onto the Johnny Harris Studio Theatre.聽
Major refurbishment project
At the Waterloo Centre for Adult Education, the main performance space, the Emma Cons Hall was reopened yesterday by CEO and Principal Susan Bonett, following an eight-month project to upgrade the Hall鈥檚 acoustics, heating systems, windows and infrastructure. The work was part of a major project to refurbish the Waterloo Centre for Adult Education. The project focused on energy efficiency as part of Morley’s drive to achieve net zero by 2040.
A flexible performance space
The newly renovated Emma Cons Hall is a flexible, multi-purpose performance space that meets the diverse needs of students and tutors on Morley鈥檚 music and performance courses, shows and events. The Hall was first opened in 1958 and takes its name from the College鈥檚 founder, Emma Cons who founded Morley in 1889.
Improved accessibility to performance spaces
The refurbishment project makes the Emma Cons Hall and Johnny Harris Studio Theatre fully accessible to students and visitors, with step-free access. A brand-new public entrance into the Johnny Harris Studio Theatre King Edward Walk now leads to a new reception area with the provision of step-free access to the Studio Theatre.
A new roof for the Centre
The refurbishment project has refitted and insulated the Waterloo Centre roof which was in urgent need of repair. The changes transform the Waterloo Centre’s energy efficiency, part of a college-wide drive to achieve net zero by 2040.
The Centre received 拢5.8m from the Department for Education鈥檚 Further Education Capital Improvement Fund to carry out the improvement work. Fit-out and refurbishment company Overbury delivered the project, employing 28 specialist trades on site. Morley partnered with Located, who provided specialist expert advice and assurance on the project. The Waterloo Centre remained open for teaching throughout the eight month project.
The 2025 refurbishment work follows on from previous accessibility improvements made in 2021 to the Waterloo Centre’s reception and the renovation in the same year of the Morley Gallery, situated next to the Waterloo Centre.
Susan Bonett, CEO and Principal of 秋霞福利一区 London said:
“We are delighted to be able to offer our students this beautifully modernised Emma Cons Hall, now made fully accessible with a level floor and step-free access. The project also makes essential repairs to the Waterloo Centre’s Main Building, and reduces our carbon footprint. These improvements were much-needed, and will create a lasting legacy for future generations of adult learners in London. “
A spokesperson from the Department for Education said:
鈥溓锵几＠磺� London Waterloo Centre is an iconic building, offering essential education for generations of adult learners, especially serving the local communities in Lambeth and Southwark.
Waterloo Centre For Adult Learning Centre Principal Bushra Iqbal said:
“The Waterloo Centre has been home to adult learners for over one hundred years. This renovation has made exciting improvements to our performance spaces and facilities which enhance the architecture and art that already makes the Waterloo Centre so special for our community of adult learners, visitors and partners.”
Nigel Busby, Refurbishment Project Manager, Overbury, said:
We’re extremely proud of what we’ve achieved with the refurbishment. The renovated Hall, and the flexibility of being able to use the hall and theatre at the same time together, will help the College and the community as well.鈥�
A new presentation of Morley’s Permanent Art Collection
The Emma Cons Hall opened in 1958 and is well-known for two large-scale murals that span the length of the Hall, painted in situ by artist Martin Froy in 1958.
At the event CEO and Principal Susan Bonnet confirmed that work will begin this academic year to professionally conserve the distinctive Martin Froy murals which are a centrepiece of the hall dating back to 1958. Titled “Sun Up” and “Sun Down”, the fifty-five feet long by eight feet high murals will be cleaned and restored, while other works in Morley’s permanent art collection will be re-hung and newly presented across the Waterloo Centre.
At the joyous event yesterday staff, governors, the Project Board and Senior Leadership Team came together to celebrate the new spaces, while students visited in the afternoon. The hall is already back in use for music and performing art classes.
A dynamic cultural destination in Waterloo
The 2025 Waterloo Centre renovation project creates a welcoming and dynamic cultural destination for students and local communities encompassing a renovated performance hall, theatre and gallery, opening up new opportunities to attract a new generation of adult learners and visitors to the Waterloo Centre.
The project 2025 is the latest investment in 秋霞福利一区 London’s buildings and facilities to enhance the learning experience for students. Over the five years since its merger with Kensington and Chelsea College in 2020, Morley has transformed both the North Kensington Centre for Skills (in 2023) and the Chelsea Centre for Creative Industries (in 2024).
Visitors are welcome at the Waterloo Centre! Click here for more information.
