Stanley Halls’ heritage, history and future on show this Sunday

Open house: Stanley Halls has guided tours and a public consultation this Sunday

South Norwood’s Stanley Halls is among the many Croydon venues taking part in this weekend’s London Open House Festival.

And as well as two guided tours to look behind the scenes at the heritage and history of the 1903-built Grade II-listed Edwardian theatre, gallery and public hall, there’s also a public consultation meeting taking place on Sunday, September 13, looking at the venue’s future.

Architects Of Change and the venue’s operators, Stanley Arts, will be discussing a three-year capital works regeneration project funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund.

Restoration drama: Grade II-listed Stanley Halls is in need of some TLC

Stanley Arts announced in November 2025 that it had received a Lottery grant of £226,287 for “Stanley Halls’ decorative scheme: widening engagement with heritage and access to heritage skills project” to restore parts of the venue’s decorative scheme.

“The project focuses on the magnificent features of the building such as tiling, mosaics and stained glass windows and sharing these with schools, people living with dementia, families and community groups across Croydon.”

The pitch to the Lottery laid out a programme of hands-on, craft workshops in schools and care homes, while monthly family workshops will also be held. “Throughout the year, there will also be practical heritage skills workshops; tours, walks and talks; and a photography course, resulting in an exhibition in the recently restored gallery.”

Glass act: Edwardian tiles and glass needs some work at Stanley Halls

And Stanley Arts said: “The decorative scheme project will celebrate the unique and historic features of the building, which has been at the heart of South Norwood for over 120 years.

“Attending the consultation will allow both first-time visitors and long-standing Stanley fans to get a sense of our plans and have a say on the proposed works,” Stanley Arts says.

Read more: Open House 2026: from Croydon Town Hall to Downing Street


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