Bermondsey Spa: final jigsaw piece put in place

Southwark Council's executive this week formally adopted a master plan jointly developed by Glen Howells Architects and the council for site C in the overall Bermondsey Spa regeneration area.

Site C is bordered by Grange Road, The Grange, Spa Road and Neckinger.

It is the final major section of the project to get the nod from the council's executive, and the master plan will set out guidelines to ensure the development is of high quality.

The master plan makes provision for the development of more than 600 new residential units – 35 per cent of which will be affordable – along with community and business, health, retail and leisure space.

"We have talked extensively with local people on this and the message is clear – they support the scheme and they want to see it built," says Cllr Richard Thomas, executive member for regeneration.

"Rarely does a project get such overwhelming support right across the board, and I think that just goes to show how well-thought out this scheme is.

"Adopting this final master plan means the beginning of a very exciting phase for Bermondsey Spa, and it won't be long before local people can see real changes."

The next stage will be an outline planning application before the work is carried out in phases.

The entire Bermondsey Spa Regeneration Area covers 13 sites, and when completed, will provide around 2,000 new homes, new youth and play facilities, 6.5 acres of re-landscaped open space, new council offices and a one stop shop and new local shops including a food retail store.

Glenn Howells Architects was chosen after a selection process initially involving 56 architectural practices, and in July 2005 were appointed by Southwark's Property Projects Team to draw up a master plan for the site.