A new garden in Peckham Square will honour the legacy of Damilola Taylor, the ten year old boy who was killed on his way home from school 25 years ago.
‘The Garden of Hope’ incorporates West African symbolism and consists of a sculpture on a podium surrounded by flower beds and benches.
It will form part of the new Peckham Square which is being redeveloped by Southwark Council with work set to begin in January 2026 and finish in 2027.
It was designed by artist Godfried Donkor, design company millimetre and Kelly O’Reilly of Camberwell Art and aims to reflect Peckham’s unique identity and honour Damilola Taylor.
The 10-year-old was stabbed in the leg and left to die in an apartment block stairwell on the North Peckham estate in 2000.
Damilola, who had recently moved to London from Nigeria, was on his way home from Peckham Library at the time.
Their design was declared the winner of a competition launched by the council in June this year which saw 50 people submit their ideas for a garden in the new square.
The entries were whittled down into a shortlist of six which was then judged by local people, council figures and sector professionals.
There was also a public exhibition where residents could see the designs and share their feedback.
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‘The Garden of Hope’ was unveiled at Mountview Theatre, Peckham Square, on 7 December to coincide with the National Day of Hope.
The team behind the garden said: “We’re excited to receive this commission, and look forward to evolving our vision in partnership with local communities, creating a Garden of Hope that enriches the public realm, reflects the character and creativity of Peckham, and honours the legacy of Damilola Taylor.
“By offering a new take on traditional West African symbolism, we’re aiming to explore the concept of hope within a uniquely Peckham context. We want to create a future focal point for art and storytelling, offering passers by a place to slow down and tune in to their own place of creativity and all that this space represents.”
Gary Trowsdale, CEO of the Damilola Taylor Trust, said: “On behalf of the Trust, we extend our deepest gratitude to Southwark Council for its continued support in bringing this memorial to life. Your partnership ensures that the message of hope lives not only in our hearts, but in the very fabric of this community.
“Together we remember Damilola and carry forward the values he lived by, hope for a better world for all, kindness and a belief in what the future can be”.
The garden will stand in the square for 15 to 20 years.
The design team will now work with local authorities and the community to shape their design before installation, with a planning application to be submitted in 2026.
Councillor Ellie Cumbo, Cabinet Member for Parks and Culture, said: “The Garden of Hope is a powerful tribute to Damilola Taylor’s legacy. This design marks an important step in transforming Peckham Square into a place where everyone feels they belong.
“Godfried Donkor, makers millimetre, and Kelly O’Reilly’s vision stood out for its thoughtful celebration of local identity and its approach to commemorating the life and legacy of Damilola Taylor.
“It’s really important to us that the community shapes this project with us. Over the coming months, the co design workshops will help create a space that strengthens local connections and offers a welcoming place of hope in the heart of Peckham.
“We are proud to have worked with the NLA and local partners on this incredible project that falls into our plan to transform Peckham Square in a way that meets the needs of local people.”
