Southwark approves detailed second phase of Elephant Park scheme

The second phase of the scheme includes the construction of 593 new homes on 1.7 hectares of land to be known as West Grove, at the western extent of Elephant Park. Affordable housing provision of 123 homes has been proposed.

The residential units would be housed within six new blocks across two development plots. On the northernmost of the two plots, three new blocks are proposed: a 10-storey mansion block; a 10-storey corner block; and a 32-storey tower. A further three new blocks, arranged around a central raised courtyard, have been proposed for the south plot. These would comprise an 'urban block' of five to seven storeys, an 11-storey building and a 19-storey tower.

Each of the six blocks would contain residential units from the first floor upwards with a total of 4,422 square metres of retail space across their ground and mezzanine floors. The retail floorspace is expected to include a supermarket, independent stores and high street shops. Basement car parking for 96 vehicles, 644 cycle storage spaces and improvements to the public realm have also been proposed.

The planning reports for the two plots making up West Grove praised the "mix of tenures and unit sizes" proposed and the contribution the creation of new retail frontages on Walworth Road and the new central shopping street would make to the "activity and vitality" of the area.

The plans form part of Lend Lease's £1.5 billion regeneration of the former Heygate Estate. Approval was given for the 2,500-home masterplan for the development in 2013 and detailed plans for the first 360 homes received were approved in February.