Peckham Rye Station

See also

• Visions for Peckham

A New Vision for Peckham Rye Station

Striking new images of plans to create a modern public realm in the heart of Peckham town centre were shown to councillors in a recent presentation to the Nunhead & Peckham Rye Community Council. This is available to download as a powerpoint presentation here and a summary is shown below.

A new vision for Peckham Rye station: the plan would involve removing the buildings in front of the station and replacing them with a public square and improved facilities for local businesses.

Valerie Shawcross, Southwark/Lambeth elected representative on the Greater London Assembly (GLA), made a strong case for dramatically improving the area around Peckham Rye Station. The image on the right shows what this vision could look like, with an open piazza surrounded by shops to replace the shabby buildings which currently occupy the site. Central to this work would be the restoration of the outstanding 1880s station building to its former glory, as well as transforming the first floor room in to a community use. The proposal would also help reduce crime and serve to boost local usage of the area.

Community Councillors were asked to press Southwark Council to adopt the proposal as a proactive project whether the tram comes or not, and to commission a feasibility study as soon as possible. As a result the Community Council agreed to:

“	urge the Council to commit itself in principle to refurbishment of the station buildings and reclamation of the former station approach as high quality public realm, fitting the current and future role of the station as a gateway to the area	”
—Community Council

While the removal of the existing buildings in front of the station will affect local businesses in the short term, Shawcross’ proposal also allows for retail space in the nearby railway arches and a number of market stall facilities in the new square. In presenting her vision she picked up on the work already undertaken by the Peckham Society, the Rye Lane & Station Action Group (RLSAG) and Peckham Vision, who have all been campaigning for just such measures over the years. The pursuit of this exciting new project through Council processes is greatly welcome, and is an important ‘flagship’ development illustrating the exciting new visions for that part of the town centre.

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Presentation summary

The station as it was c. 1880.

The station as it is today.

The station and square as it could be.

The site plans.

Why a project for Peckham Rye Station?

• Preserve a beautiful Victorian station.
• Create an attractive ‘front door’ for Peckham.
• Reduce crime and fear.
• Improve local economy.
• Boost usage of area.
• Better interchange with new Cross River Tram.

How do we go about it?

• Persuade Council to adopt project.
• Council do feasibility study.
• Seek financial support for the project.
• Put together public and private sector partnerships.
• Negotiate with Network Rail/DfT.
• Plan of long term maintenance/business plan.

Possible Donors

• London Development Agency.
• Transport for London
• Southwark Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.
• Heritage Lottery Fund.
• Railway Heritage Trust.
• Network Rail/Spacia/DfT

Private Sector Involvement?

• Bar or Restaurant in old ‘Billiard Room’?
• Usage of ‘arches’ building at side of square?
• Street stall style businesses?

Components of Project

• Feasibility/construction/design (Grant Aid)
• Refurbish station frontage (Grant Aid)
• Install business in station (private investment)
• Compensate existing tenants
• Demolish buildings/construct square
• Utilities realignment.
• Create business space in arches.

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