Dory plans to convert the Grade II listed Town Hall into a shopping arcade to comprise a flagship store for children's shop Maclaren as well as a number of boutique shops and a restaurant. The upper floors will be converted to provide 15-20 new homes and the former Council Chamber will be retained as an 'educational bar'.
The Council selected Dory as its preferred purchaser of the site in February last year. Dory has subsequently been surveying the building and consulted with English Heritage and the Council's conservation team to work up proposals for the scheme.
The Council said in a statement that it had chosen to sell the Town Hall, which up until last year was one of two fully functioning town halls within the borough, as part of its commitment to "prioritise frontline services ahead of underused buildings" in order to reduce debt.
“This exciting and innovative scheme will provide Fulham Town Hall with a new lease of life and reinvigorate Fulham as one of the capital’s premier shopping destinations," said Council leader Nicholas Botterill.
“Fulham Town Hall has been a landmark building in the borough for more than 100 years and Dory Ventures is steadfastly committed to respecting its rich historical character and public heritage."
“As well as boosting Fulham, this scheme will improve the council's finances by significantly reducing our debt levels, create numerous jobs and launch a new era of prosperity for this famous building,” Botterill said.
The Council said it expected Dory to submit an application for planning permission and Listed Building Consent in 2014. It said that the sale of the site was likely to complete in 2015.
