WOOLWICH PIER HOTEL

Alexander & Co.

PROJECT ARCHITECT Rachel Wan restored a rundown heritage pub to its rightful place at the heart of its local community. What was the brief? We were engaged to revitalise Woolwich Pier Hotel as the heritage pub had lost its link to the local community. Rebranding was key, as was strategically replanning the space to resolve operational and patron capacity issues. We sought to uncover the history of this heritage-listed building, while introducing its new persona as a demographically diverse destination. What were the challenges and how did you resolve them? A significant part of our scheme involved introducing a more flexible floor plan while revealing the history of Woolwich by pulling back layers of the building. Rearranging the flow and opening up constricted zones was governed by strict heritage controls. Respecting the venue’s long history and architecture became key narrative drivers. What were some of the influences that shaped your design concept? As the venue has had several incarnations, the design concept aimed to evoke a sense of the familiar without belonging to any particular time or place. In revealing the existing materials built up in the pub, we also explored mid-century elements. The contrast of reclaimed, recovered and restored against the ’new’ elements resonated with the rich history of Woolwich and provided an opportunity to represent both the masculine and feminine identity of the space. How would you describe the completed interior? The completed interior is a nostalgic space, a place where the old and new speak a cohesive narrative. This juxtaposition is seen and felt through its materials and articulation of each finish with the tactile and earthy elements of the heritage pub against the clean and feminine tones of the new fitout. By opening up the spatial planning, we created a versatile multifunctional venue, breathing new life into its interior. What informed the selection of furniture, art, fittings and finishes? The mix of mid-century influences and heritage features. With the base structure providing elements of history and rawness (concrete, brick, steel and timber beams), it was essential for furniture, art and lighting to bring a sense of softness and a contemporary feel. We told a story of found and restored through the colour palette, textures and geometry. What are some of your favourite elements? Walking up the main staircase, you are able to see the different characteristics of the space and how its contemporary murals, new furniture and soft finishings interact with the architecture. How have patrons responded to the space? It is an active and welcoming place for both young and old in the Woolwich community. It’s an inclusive space, celebrating beauty, history and art through its textures and colours. alexanderand.co