Newington Triangle: architects appointed for mixed-use development

The site is currently occupied by a range of buildings including the offices of polling firm Ipsos-MORI and the Institute of Optometrists.

Most of the land is owned by developer Hollybrook Homes which is based in SE1's Mill Street. The firm's previous local schemes include the Union Building in Tooley Street, Triangle Court in Redcross Way and Anchor Terrace near Southwark Bridge.

Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands have designed several significant buildings in SE1 including the Broadwall housing co-operative and the Golden Jubilee Bridges. As yet unbuilt local projects include the controversial 43-storey Doon Street tower and the delayed medical centre incorporating the facade of the Presbyterian chapel on Borough Road.

On Saturday Hollybrook held its first consultation event for local residents at the Queensborough Community Centre on the Scovell Estate.

The proposed development – dubbed Newington Triangle – is likely to include a mix of homes, offices and other uses such as a hotel or student accommodation.

The site falls under Southwark Council's new Enterprise Quarter planning policy which says that a "tall landmark building" of 15-20 storeys would be appropriate on the Newington Causeway side of the site, opposite the junction with Avonmouth Street.

As a comparison, the tower at Empire Square in Long Lane is 22 storeys high.

The developer expects to present its plans to local residents in the spring and to seek planning permission during 2009.

Previous proposals for the site include a 470-metre tower by Palestra architect Will Alsop.