400 homes planned for Bermondsey’s old Branston pickle factory

Developers London Square have commissioned architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris to draw up designs for the Rich Industrial Estate which borders Crimscott Street and Willow Walk in Bermondsey.

The buildings are currently used as artists' studios, galleries and for storage. Current tenants include the Bermondsey Project and the Drawing Room.

Some of the buildings date from the late 19th century and were built for the Elizabeth Lazenby company which made Worcestershire Sauce. Crosse & Blackwell, which produced Branston pickle, sauces and salad cream at the site, finally moved out in 1969.

A selection of the factory's products from the 1930s are now in the collection of the Alimentarium food museum in Switzerland.

London Square's initial proposals include the retention of some of the most characterful industrial buildings which would be converted to residential use, with studios and workshops on the lower floors.

There are also plans to open up a new pedestrian route across the site from Grange Road, with a new alleyway created alongside the Alaska Building.

The former industrial buildings fronting Crimscott Street would be demolished and replaced with new residential blocks up to eight storeys high.

250 car parking spaces are planned by the developer, as well as funding for a cycle hire docking station.

A further public consultation on the plans will be held this autumn before a planning application is submitted to Southwark Council. If approved, demolition could start next summer with the first elements of the scheme completed in 2017.