The foundation stone was laid by the proprietor of the Deptford Brewery, Thomas Norfolk,[1] in his capacity as chairman of the board of works, on 18 April 1877.

The central bay, which was slightly recessed, originally featured an oval-shaped portico formed by Doric order columns supporting an entablature and a balustraded parapet.

The doorway inside the portico was flanked by pairs of Doric order pilasters supporting a frieze, a cornice, and an entablature.

After it became inadequate for the council's needs, civic leaders decided to build a new town hall on Royal Hill and relocated there in 1939.

The building became a community centre in 1955, offering "meals on wheels" and other services from 1957,[9] and being renamed West Greenwich House in 1958.