Borough, Bankside and Bermondsey
Peveril Gardens
Peveril Gardens is a renewed and refreshed garden sitting above the roof of a 1960s podium which adjoins Peveril House, a housing block owned by the council and managed by Leathermarket JMB. Formerly an amenity space for residents, the space is now both a garden for residents as well as a place for the wider public to enjoy during the day.
A truly collaborative effort, the project was designed by Sanchez Benton Architects in conjunction with artist Gabriel Kuri and award-winning horticulturalist Nigel Dunnett. The work was commissioned by public art curator Aldo Rinaldi. By working closely with the residents of Peveril House and those of other nearby estates, we're proud to have delivered a new garden with access for all. The simple insertion of a public staircase and beautiful new planting transforms the podium. Old garage spaces below have been renovated into six artist studios and a community cafe to animate the streetscape.
The project contributes to the council’s Great Estates Programme, which aims to create the highest possible quality of landscaping and amenities for local residents, as well as contributing to the council’s ambition to deliver new affordable workspace. The project is funded by the New Homes Bonus programme, Cleaner Greener Safer fund and the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund.
The ground floor will be occupied by Forma Arts and Media, a highly regarded contemporary art commissioning agency and production company. From Spring 2021, Forma will operate the space as their office headquarters as well as run six artist studios, a café/community space with a dedicated on-site Community Engagement Curator and a resident-engaged arts and cultural programme. The artist studios will be rented out in line with Mayor of London’s guide on affordability. Forma will organise at least one ‘Open Studio’ a year and coordinate with the café, community space and garden to create opportunities for the studio artists to engage with peers, local residents and audiences.
Page last updated: 10 June 2024
