19th Century Pub Converted to 6 Residential Flats
The Tamworth Arms is a 19th century Croydon pub originally operated by Young’s Brewery until 2007. The building is notable for Young’s distinctive external tilework — a signature of their pub estate — and had been a well-known local landmark for over a century. The pub closed in May 2015 after its licence was suspended following a police drugs raid, and was formally classified as closed long-term by November 2019. Planning permission was granted in November 2019 for partial demolition, extension, and conversion to create six residential flats.
By the time construction started, the building had been derelict for several years — filled with rubbish, occupied by squatters, and with substantial damage throughout. Adamski Builders took on the full conversion from stripped-out shell to six completed flats, delivering every aspect of the project in-house.
Project Details
- Project type: Heritage pub conversion, change of use to residential
- Completed: 6 self-contained flats
- Services delivered: Partial demolition, mansard extension, structural work, full refurbishment, balconies, sash windows, panoramic glazing, façade restoration, complete fit-out
Scope of Works
The scale and complexity of this project meant it drew on nearly the full range of our services:
- Full strip-out and site clearance — removing years of accumulated debris, damage, and traces of squatter occupation before construction could begin
- Partial demolition as permitted under the approved planning consent, opening up the building for residential reconfiguration
- Mansard roof extension adding a full additional storey of habitable space and unlocking a meaningful portion of the six-flat yield
- Structural reconfiguration throughout, converting commercial pub floorplates into residential layouts with six self-contained units
- Crane operations for lifting heavy roof structure, steelwork, and materials into position on a constrained urban site
- Panoramic floor-to-ceiling glazing with integrated balcony door systems, giving the new flats generous natural light and private outdoor access
- Traditional sash window installation throughout the main façade, retaining the period character of the original building
- Balcony construction — multiple structural balconies built and finished in-house, with full waterproofing, railings, and drainage
- Façade restoration — the distinctive Young’s-era external tilework in dark green and red was preserved and restored, and the building’s original arches were rebuilt to bring the exterior back to its former character
- Full mechanical and electrical installation — complete rewire to residential regulations, full plumbing, heating, and fire safety compliance across all six units
- Internal fit-out — six complete flats, each with kitchen, bathroom, flooring, plastering, and decoration to ready-to-occupy standard
The Challenge
Three factors made this project particularly demanding. First, the condition of the building on takeover — several years of dereliction meant substantial remedial work was needed before any real construction could begin. Second, heritage preservation alongside modern compliance — the brief required the Young’s-era façade and distinctive tilework to be retained and restored while the interior delivered six fully regulation-compliant modern flats with contemporary features like floor-to-ceiling glazing. Third, logistics on a Croydon high street site — crane operations, material deliveries, and the mansard construction all had to be coordinated while keeping the surrounding area functional and safe.
Balancing the heritage character of a 19th century Young’s pub with the practical reality of delivering six modern flats to planning required close coordination between structural, architectural, and finishing trades throughout the build.
The Finished Building
The completed Tamworth Arms now operates as six self-contained residential flats. Each unit features generous natural light, modern finishes, and private balcony access where applicable. The exterior has been brought back to its former glory — the distinctive Young’s tilework preserved, the period arches rebuilt, and the building’s architectural character retained.
The mansard extension increased the available floor area meaningfully, directly enabling the six-flat yield approved under the planning consent. The panoramic glazing and balconies transformed a derelict Victorian shell into desirable, light-filled residential accommodation that works for modern occupants while respecting the building’s history.
Interested in a Similar Project?
We take on large-scale conversions, heritage refurbishments, and substantial residential developments across London. If you’re a developer, landlord, or property owner looking at a conversion project — whether a commercial-to-residential change of use, a heritage restoration, or a multi-unit development — we’d be happy to visit the site and discuss what’s possible.
Call: +447730538016 or contact us online to arrange a consultation.