Elephant regeneration back on track?

The council's Executive has endorsed the first stage of its Comprehensive Development Framework for the £1bn regeneration of the Elephant and Castle.

The agreement of the document – Emerging Framework Principles – marks the reestablishment of the major regeneration programme. The scheme will cover 170 acres of land. The council claims that the needs of the 10,000 local residents and local businesses serving them will be central to the development.

The document sets out strategic opportunities and potential for the area, the issues affecting the area and its residents, the council?s vision for the area, the principles that will underpin the development framework and the next steps in the area's regeneration.

Catherine Bowman, Executive Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: "This is a huge step towards a new look, revitalised, Elephant and Castle. Southwark Council is wholly committed to improving the quality of life and opportunities for all those who live and work in the area. This initial proposal will form the basis of the regeneration and we look forward to working with the residents and businesses to rejuvenate the area."

Long-suffering residents of the Elephant should now receive regular updates from the council via a series of regeneration newsletters, the first of which is being delivered to homes this week.

The full Comprehensive Development Framework (which will include visual designs by architects Foster and Partners) will be submitted to the Council's Executive this spring after which it will be released for public consultation.