Masterplan
The masterplan has four main sections:
- Introduction
- Urban design framework
- Design guidelines and outputs
- Summary of recommendations
There are also a number of appendices setting out the background research and analysis, key development opportunities and a broad timetable.
Key changes for the area
The urban design framework describes the area prior to regeneration as well as the vision and aims of the project. It also explains the key changes being planned, which are:
- A new civic centre for Bermondsey Spa, including council offices relocated from Spa Road
- An upgraded One Stop Shop, the Alfred Salter neighbourhood office and the housing cashiers service
- Enhanced community facilities, including improvements to St James Church
- Family centre and medical facility
- Redeveloped Salmon youth centre
New homes and improvements to the area
Over 2,000 new homes (40 per cent of which will be affordable), will be created through a combination of new build, conversion and refurbishment. Housing types will be mixed, with flats, maisonettes, duplexes and townhouses. Housing tenure will also be mixed, with some social housing alongside homes for market rent or sale. Further improvements to the area include:
- Improved neighbourhood centre on Spa Road with retail provision brought together in this area and enhanced by new shopping and entertainment opportunities.
- An increase in business space, redeveloping existing under-used or derelict properties, including railway arches and building some new industrial units.
- Improved educational facilities, including a new nursery and better playgrounds and open spaces.
- An enhanced landscape, with tree-lined streets, more accessible, re-landscaped public open space, new landmarks and focal points, public art and improved paving, street furniture and lighting.
- Improved movement through the area, especially for pedestrians and cyclists, with altered road layouts, new crossings, new secure cycle parks and more car club spaces.
Design guidelines
The masterplan also sets out twelve design guidelines for the regeneration, against which all development proposals will be measured. The aim is to encourage high quality, innovative design that fulfils the aims of the project.
The guidelines are:
- A model for environmental sustainability.
- Optimising land use.
- Gateways and landmarks to strengthen local identity.
- Safe, comfortable and attractive links to public transport.
- Eyes on streets.
- Streets and spaces for people.
- Attractive and robust landscaping.
- High quality art, street furniture and lighting.
- Lively, active building frontages.
- Mixing tenures, uses and forms.
- Robust and adaptable buildings.
- Distinctive architecture.