RETENTION OF CULVERS LODGE
For a brief history of the building we refer to the article published by the Victorian and
Edwardian Society on December 6, 2012 on their website:
“Survivor faces extinction”
The last remnant of a famous 19th century estate
“The Society is challenging Sutton Council to reject the option of demolishing a pretty and
historic Victorian lodge.
The Lodge, on London Road, Hackbridge, was once part of the Culvers Estate, owned by
Victorian notables such as Samuel Gurney and John Peter Gassiot Jnr. The latter's family firm
was the largest supplier of port to the UK and the family were major donors to London hospitals
like St. Thomas's, as well as donating a large number of paintings to the Guildhall Art Gallery.
John Peter Gassiot Jnr. is buried in Sutton Cemetery.
The small lodge is all that remains of the whole estate. It is now owned by Sutton Council;
boarded up for two years, it seems that they are considering demolition.
'It's just not good enough to demolish an attractive building, one of the area's last links to its
past,' says James Hughes, Conservation Adviser for the Victorian Society. 'The Lodge is not
grand but it is certainly memorable. If the existing hoardings were removed, everyone would see
what a notably pretty landmark it is. Even the Victorian stained glass is intact.'
James adds, 'There has been talk of Hackbridge being the UK's first sustainable suburb. Given
the massive amount of embodied energy within existing buildings, refurbishment rather than
demolition of the lodge would be a much more sustainable option.'
'Demolition would mean a sad loss to the area, given the importance of the Culvers Estate to
local history. The council should protect an asset like this on behalf of its citizens and for the
future.'”
This article was written in support of the people of Hackbridge campaining to preserve the
building.
In addition to these issues of sustainability, history and local identity , there are positive future
possibilities for this building partly as a result of its location on an important pedestrian route
from the River Wandle towards the future Regional Park (a point made by the Culture and
Heritage group of the Wandle Forum who are keen to save the building), and being directly
opposite the new BedZED complex, providing a valuable reference point in the timeline of the
development of Hackbridge.
Francesca Bellucci, a local resident said “In my capacity as an architect with experience in
conservation, I agree with James Hughes, conservation advisor to the Victorian and Edwardian
Society. In addition to his comments I can only say that old buildings in sound condition are a
great example of longevity and adaptability in their change of use through the centuries. The
option of demolition would be strange in a sustainable suburb such as Hackbridge. Demolition
and new build materials (however sustainable) come a very distant second. ” She added: “The
stained glass windows and the unusual shape of the building are a focal point. Just the setting of
the building and its garden offers a multitude of ideas”.
From hackbridge.net, Jo Simister said: “I have been saddened by the way this building has been
allowed to deteriorate (but I think it was occupied until recently?) and agree that as it is one of the
few remaining historical building links left in the area we should seek to preserve AND USE it .
Bob Steel, author of “River wandle companion” said: “The potential for other uses of the building
is high. We are convening a meeting to discuss possible alternative uses of Culvers Lodge”.
The Hackbridge and Beddington Corner Neighbourhood Development Group (H&BC NDG) has
applied to have the building considered as a potential addition to the Local List, and members
have suggested a variety of future uses for the Lodge in a future sustainable Hackbridg,
including:
-Residential: Keeping the current use, sell privately in existing condition with approved project to
refurbish, or repair and then sell.
-Community use : Ideas thrown up so far include:
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Local health drop-in centre/surgery at certain times
Community shop selling local produce from Community farm and other sources, as
suggested by Sutton in Transition Group
Rooms for hire to local groups for meetings/clubs/societies etc
Part-time Coffee shop (close to Culvers house school and potential for parents' usage in
mornings/afternoons)
Possible location for permanent display of materials relating to Hackbridge History
and/or small visitor centre for future Wandle Regional Park
Re-use or rebuild of the existing shed on the side of the 110 London road garden. Use as a
workshop for arts and craft classes or rental space
The change of use to a Community use would possibly mean the creation of local jobs.
1. Lord Tope (Heritage Champion of Borough of Sutton) suggested during the last visit that
Heritage Lottery (and possibly other) grants might well be available if the decision was
made to retain the building.
Why not invest in something that people care about and turn it into something that could help the
growth of the local economy?
Hackbridge and Beddington Corner NDG
January 2013