The former headquarters of the Salvation Army in Elephant and Castle have been purchased by a developer who plans to convert them into shared living homes and a hotel.
UAE-based developers Arada London are looking to redevelop the site at 99–101 Newington Causeway which is occupied by two buildings including a 10 storey block with a basement.
It was home to the Salvation Army’s UK headquarters before they moved to Denmark Hill in 2023.
The developer said the project offered “an exciting opportunity to deliver high-quality homes, amenities and jobs that will support the area’s continued growth and make a lasting contribution to the neighbourhood’s vitality”.
It is the second time that a developer has looked to convert the site into a hotel. Developer Rockwell came forward with designs in 2022 for a 325-bed hotel in a 23-storey building along with new office space and a public square.
Arada already have a development underway in the borough on the Old Kent Road opposite Asylum Road called Devonshire Place, where they are creating more than 1,000 homes, 941 of which will be student flats, spread across two skyscrapers.
They are also looking into redeveloping a site off Blackpool Road in Peckham into a mixture of student flats and affordable homes.
Jonathan Seal, CEO of Arada London, said: “The former Salvation Army UK and Ireland headquarters presents a unique opportunity in a dynamic part of London. This acquisition marks a major step for Arada London, as we kick off our third project in Southwark and make our debut in the co living world.
“With brand new homes and a hotel, we are looking forward to helping shape a town centre at the heart of Southwark’s transformation.”
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Andrew Cox, director of Savills who advised the Salvation Army on the sale, said: “101 Newington Causeway is an outstanding site, which benefits from scale, transport and strong viability.
“This is a great acquisition for Arada, and the deal allows The Salvation Army UK and Ireland Territory to dispose of a building that is no longer suitable for its needs and to use the proceeds to continue its work.”
Peter Grant, territorial property director, The Salvation Army UK and Ireland, said: “The Salvation Army is pleased to see this site being sold for development. The provision of much needed homes alongside commercial use is a positive outcome for this site.”
