Planning approval granted for major new South Bank development

A 1.4 million sq ft mixed used development scheme next to Blackfriars Bridge at London’s South Bank has been granted approval by Southwark Council’s planning committee. Nine buildings, including a 48 storey tower are being planned to include 450,000 sq ft of office space, which it is promised, will almost double the number of permanent jobs in the area to over 3,700. The scheme, which also comprises 25,000 sq ft of retail space, nearly 500 residential apartments and the creation of 35,000 sq ft of new pubic open spaces, is being delivered by asset management firm Carlyle. Two existing buildings on the site, which were acquired by Carlyle along with four other nearby buildings for £671m in 2010, will be demolished according to the designs drawn up by PLP Architecture.

Currently the entire site comprises the land occupied by Sampson House, 64 Hopton Street and Ludgate House, 245 Blackfriars Road, and the arches under the railway viaduct between the two buildings that are being demolished. The site is bound by the Thames Path and Blackfriars Station (southern entrance) to the north, Hopton Street to the east, Southwark Street to the south and Blackfriars Road to the west.

Planning consent was granted after the developer offered to make a commuted payment of £65m in lieu of providing any affordable housing either on or off site. Leader of Southwark Council, Councillor Peter John said: “This is an amazingly exciting project which will bring new homes, new jobs and new opportunities for Southwark and its residents – everyone in our borough can benefit from developments like this.  It is further proof that Southwark is the new vital heart of London and is not afraid to play its part in leading the whole city out of recession.”

Carlyle has said that construction will be completed between 2020 and 2023.