The News can reveal new details and artist’s impressions of the long-anticipated Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre.
The latest proposals show that the existing shopping centre looks set to be replaced by a seven-storey campus for the London College of Communication, a four-storey shopping centre, and residential towers at the site’s Walworth-Road side.
Running parallel with the overground railway bridge, there are plans for a 1,000-seat multi-screen cinema and 500-capacity music venue.
The first covered retail space in Europe has stood at the heart of the Elephant since it opened in March 1965, but was sold to current owners, Delancey, in November 2013 for £80m.
The new development, designed by Allies and Morrison architects, promises a “combination of national and independent London based shops, bars, cafes and restaurants”. The main retail and restaurant offering will be split into two four-storey buildings, joined by a first floor balcony and walkway.
Also on site will be 60,000 sq ft of workspace for the University of the Arts London’s HQ staff, plus twelve “innovation units” for start-up businesses.
Delancey announced in July 2015 that 1,000 flats could be built at the Walworth-Road side of the “town centre” lay out. Asked what proportion of these flats will be available at social or affordable rents, a spokeswoman for the company said: “We are working with Southwark Council to establish the level of affordable housing for the site.
“It is envisaged the majority of the homes will be for rent and priced to match a wide-range of local earning levels for single, shared and family occupants.” The update also states “the majority” will be available to let on a long-term basis through property management firm Get Living London.
Meanwhile, the shopping centre, campus and residential towers will form the second phase of Delancey’s work in the area, following the completion of 374 flats, 272 student flats and a Sainsbury’s supermarket later this year.
A new Northern Line entrance is also planned for the site, although TfL have yet to confirm a time for its construction.
The News reported in April that the new site is also effectively co-owned by the Qatari government, via its investment company, Qatari Diar Real Estate, and a Dutch pension fund asset manager APG.
These latest proposals are being showcased from today until Saturday on the first floor of the Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre, within the corner shop next to the railway station entrance.
The exhibition will be open today from 2pm to 8pm, Friday from 9am to 5pm, and Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
Delancey’s founder and CEO, Jamie Ritblat, said: “Over the last three years we have been in ongoing discussions with key local stakeholders, the public and our partners at UAL in order to ensure we put culture, art, education and – most importantly – the needs of the local community, at the heart of our plans. We are confident that these proposals reflect this and look forward to receiving further feedback to help us deliver this vision.”