A planning application has been submitted for the development of 840 Old Kent Road. The scheme comprises the demolition of the existing single storey building and construction of two residential towers comprising 13 and 21 storeys. The residential towers will be above a new retail unit to rehouse Aldi in a much improved and modernised unit. The developments will deliver approximately 1,570m² of new retail space on the ground floor.
The residential towers will accommodate 170 units between them. 35% of the new residential units will be affordable homes with a 70%-30% social and intermediate split.
This proposed scheme is based on ensuring continuity of trade for Aldi by constructing a temporary store on the current car park while the site is being redeveloped.
The site falls in the sub-area of OKR 17 as defined by Southwark’s Area Action Plan (AAP). The AAP calls for new frontages to Old Kent Road with shops, supermarket, cafés and restaurants at ground floor level and residential apartments above. The developing scheme meets and improves on the outlined Master Plan within the AAP.
One of the key challenges for the development is the forthcoming Bakerloo Line Extension, currently in consultation. The proposed tunnels run directly below the site and therefore influences the substructure design.
This redevelopment is part of a wider regeneration taking shape at Old Kent Road. The regeneration is set to deliver 20,000 new homes, two new primary schools and 10,000 new jobs.
Stace assisted PPR Estates in securing Planning Permission for the scheme in 2020. The site was subsequently sold to Metropolitan Housing, at which point Stace Project Management’s role came to an end. The development is currently on site with HG Construction.