Peckham Square

As well as building a new square outside Peckham Rye Station, Southwark Council is also working on a major revamp of the existing Peckham Square.

Already a popular destination, thanks to Peckham Pulse and the recently refurbished Peckham Library (not to mention a year-round schedule of lively, public events) the square was given a further boost in 2018 with the addition of Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.

Now the council has budgeted £7m to upgrade the square.

Following extensive public consultation, Graeme Massie Architects and Scott Whitby Studio were appointed, last year, to take this project forward. Their designs will be shared, in full, later this year, as well as proposals for the arch at the entrance to the square. However, you can get a little flavour of what they have in mind from the illustration above.

The council is also working with the Damilola Taylor Trust on proposals for a new public artwork for the square; one which will take a positive look towards the future and honouring Peckham’s past.

All of these improvements will be rounded out by the refurbishment of 91-93 Peckham High Street - the row of council-owned buildings opposite the library.

The council will use these premises to create a new home for the local arts charity, Peckham Platform.

In December, planning approval was granted, in principle (subject to legal agreement) for the project, based on designs by local architects Knox Bhavan. Building work is due to commence later this year.

Peckham Platform has been working in the neighbourhood for more than fifteen years but this will be the first time this local arts charity has had its own, permanent base from which to operate.

Peckham Platform prides itself on connecting art, people and place. Their new home, on a revitalised Peckham Square, will ensure the charity can continue to serve the local community for many years to come.

Page last updated: 01 February 2024