Elephant and Castle shopping centre will close its doors on Thursday, July 30, its landlord has announced.
The centre’s owner, Delancey, which is redeveloping the centre as part of the Elephant and Castle Town Centre regeneration project, confirmed the date this week.
“We are committed to creating a thriving town centre in Elephant and Castle,” a spokesperson for Delancey told the News today.
“We continue to work very closely with independent traders at the existing shopping centre to support businesses’ plans for relocation and this includes the building of the retail space on Castle Square that has now commenced.
“As part of this process, we have confirmed the last day of trade and closure of the shopping centre will be Thursday 30 July 2020.
“With this much needed certainty, the independent traders are able to finalise details of their relocation and progress can continue for those traders still working through their plans.
“At the same time, we are progressing the plans for the construction of the new Elephant and Castle Town Centre and will keep the community updated.”
The news comes after a High Court judge rejected a legal challenge by campaigners’ who hoped to halt plans to demolish the centre.
Activists wanted to secure more social homes and support for traders who will be forced to relocate. But their application was unsuccessful.
The News understands campaigners have applied for the right to appeal the judicial review decision.
Regardless of court action, pressure from a coalition – Up the Elephant – is expected to intensify.
Their next demonstration calling for more social housing and trader support will be outside Southwark Council, in Tooley Street, on Tuesday, January 28 from 6pm ahead of the council assembly.