Landmark mixed-use scheme in Elephant and Castle receives planning approval

The London Borough of Southwark has granted planning permission for the final phase of the 10-acre regeneration masterplan at Elephant Park in Elephant and Castle.

Designed for independent developer HUB by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), the proposal to transform a 1.2 acre site into a landmark mixed-use development delivering 695 co-living homes and social housing, a major NHS health centre and active ground floor amenity across three buildings and improved public realm received unanimous approval.

This consent marks a significant milestone in the final phase of the Elephant Park regeneration, which has been ongoing for over 10 years across 10 acres, building on its established residential offering with a strong focus on build-to-rent and delivering Elephant and Castle’s first purpose-built co-living development, to be known as ‘Chords’. The plans also include the provision of 20 three-bed affordable homes, all of which will be for social rent. Generous outdoor amenity spaces will be provided, including a shared podium courtyard accessible from all three buildings, complete with a dedicated children’s play area, as well as two roof top terraces offering elevated views across London and communal gathering areas.

The provision of a new NHS health centre, located on the ground and first floors of one of the buildings responds to a long-standing need for improved healthcare infrastructure in the area to support its fast-growing population.

The public realm design, led by landscape architects Gillespies, completes HUB’s vision for Elephant Park, prioritising permeability, greening and active frontages that encourage community use and enhance connectivity to the wider community.

Damien Sharkey, managing director at HUB, said “As our largest co-living-led approval to date, we’re excited to be moving forward with this important site – not only for the Elephant Park neighbourhood, but for the wider co-living sector.

“Securing this consent, for just shy of 700 homes, is meaningful: it sends a clear signal of confidence in innovative, community-focused rental living. Through Southwark Council’s decision, we can bring forward a significant mixed-use scheme with high-quality co-living homes and much-needed affordable homes for social rent, as well as essential community infrastructure including a new NHS health centre – all within an exceptionally well-connected, vibrant neighbourhood.

“We look forward to working with our partners to progress delivery and bring forward a high-quality final chapter for Elephant Park that builds on the neighbourhood’s proven success.”

Susie Le Good, executive director at AHMM, commented: “Alongside our client and design team, we’re thrilled to have secured Southwark’s approval for our proposals for the final piece of the Elephant Park masterplan.

“Following our early involvement in Elephant Park with West Grove and the subsequent Park Central East and West Developments, we look forward to collaborating with HUB once more and progressing this important site to deliver much-needed homes, as well as vital healthcare facilities, to support the exciting future of this dynamic neighbourhood.”