Regeneration project: Peckham

£5.2m from the Mayor’s Regeneration Fund will improve Peckham Rye station and its surroundings. By collaborating with Network Rail, Southern Railways and Southwark Council, the amount of investment available to make the buildings and spaces around the station cleaner, safer and better for locals and visitors will be significantly increased. Funding will restore the historic station building, one of the few in London that retains its 1860s features. The project’s heart is a new public square, opening up the station area for new community uses and forming a welcoming gateway to Peckham. The railway arches are being used as new spaces for local businesses, artists and shops.

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Animating places

Peckham Rye station is one of the main arrival points into Peckham, but has become cramped and run-down over the years. Combined with poor lighting and wayfinding it creates a poor first impression of the town centre. Funding is being spent to bring underused spaces within the station back to life, and to rejuvenate the courtyard and arches to the station’s rear. Investment in these prominent spaces will make them suitable for a range of different uses, from shops and cafes, to community uses and workspaces for local businesses. Importantly, these changes will make Peckham Rye station a safer, more appealing and welcoming place, with more activity and footfall.

Public spaces

Important new public spaces are being planned by architects Weston Williamson for Peckham Rye station and its surrounds. Proposals include reinstating the historic forecourt that once formed the station entrance. The new public space will celebrate and reveal the precious historic features of the station building and Peckham more generally. It will also provide pleasant and safe access into and out of the station. The changes are being planned in conjunction with the Townscape Heritage Initiative, which is working to restore historic architectural buildings within the Rye Lane Peckham Conservation Area. The programme will also offer training to local tradespeople in conservation and specialist renovation.

Supporting business

Renovated retail units and potential workspaces in and around Peckham Rye station will offer local businesses many new opportunities. This will help attract more people to Peckham’s main shopping areas – increasing footfall and trade. At all stages of the construction of Peckham’s regeneration projects, jobs and apprenticeships will be offered to local traders and young people. Existing businesses that will be affected by the developments will also be offered support, ranging from business advice to relocation assessments. Training in specialist conservation and renovation work is also being offered to ensure that local tradespeople can be employed on heritage projects.

Shaping development

Funding from the Mayor’s Regeneration Fund and Southwark Council is being spent on land assembly at the front of Peckham Rye station. The investment is ensuring that the proposed development can proceed efficiently, optimising the scope and extent of the regeneration.

Preparing for change

Southwark and Network Rail have carried out a range of feasibility studies and tested design concepts to create a business appraisal that supports the delivery of the project. One of the main aims of the scheme is to build the appeal of Peckham Rye as an area for private investment longer term, with the station development spurring on growth along the rest of the high street.

Borough: Southwark

Partners/client: LB Soutwark, Network Rail

Consultants: Weston Williamson, GLE

Funding: Mayor of London £5.2m