The Peckham Rye Station redevelopment has been under public inquiry this week, as the council looks for government approval for its compulsory purchase of businesses in the arcades.
Southwark Council began its compulsory purchase order (CPO) of the arcades with land in Rye Lane and Blenheim Grove in April 2016.
Planning permission was given in March to demolish 24 units in the arcades, and build the open square, with shops, a restaurant, takeaway, offices, and public toilets.
The plans say the schemes hopes to:
- Create a place for people to meet and socialise
- Conserve and enhance the station’s historic character
- Promote the “overall social and environmental wellbeing” of the area
Council planning officers working on the scheme also said: “The Scheme should contribute to a reduction/perception of crime”.
Only five formal objections to the CPO were made by major leaseholders, including Iceland and the TSB Bank, which asked for longer time to relocate. However the council suggests in its plans that TSB could move to a new site “three doors away”.
Jenny’s Café and a dentists have also been offered new units.
Smaller tenants nestled in the arcades such as Food Base; the Steamer food bar; Divine Destiny salon; and Hair & Beauty African Beauty Products, previously told the News they had concerns about the future of their businesses.
Plans have also been secured to redevelop a row of garages in Bournemouth Close. Named ‘Peckham Springs’, the site beside the Atwell Estate will house the displaced salons, as well as new bars and cafés.
The council also said affected businesses will “likely” be entitled to compensation for the costs associated with relocating. Property agents and businesses advisors from Tree Shepherd were appointed to help the businesses.
After the public inquiry which began on Tuesday, a decision to approve or reject the council’s CPO will be made by the Secretary of State of Communities and Local Government, MP Sajid Javid.