Plans to upgrade the square outside Peckham Rye Station have been in the works for well over a decade, but why does it look like nothing has changed?
In 2011, the Mayor of London and Southwark Council unveiled they were spending between £3-£5 million to create a ‘grand entrance’ to the station by demolishing the shopping arcade.
Permission was finally granted for these plans in March 2016.
Whilst this was happening, works to restore the station’s Victorian features were well underway. When complete the whole project, which includes the full modernisation of Peckham Rye Station itself, will resemble what it looked like in the 1880s.
But eight years since they got planning permission, whilst the restoration is done; the square looks pretty much the same.
So what should have happened by now and why hasn’t it?
The initial phases of Station Square were as follows:
Phase one (September 2021): Blenheim Grove Corner Building refurbishment
Phase two (to start Spring 2021): south side of Arcade demolition and Station Square works to start
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Phase three (completion date Autumn 2023): north side of Arcade demolition and Station Square to be completed
The project is about three years behind schedule.
Phase one, the refurbishment of the building on the corner of Blenheim Grove, is nearly complete – more than three years after it was supposed to be. The building, previously a hair salon, will provide alternative accommodation for businesses that will be displaced when the arcade is demolished.
In August 2024, the exterior of the building was deemed finished – although it still needs fitting out before tenants can move in.
Phase two involves demolishing part of the arcade and can’t begin until businesses have been relocated.
Why is it delayed?
After the News got in touch, Southwark Council said the delay was partly due to ‘water ingress’ issues. Otherwise known as leakage, it can be caused by several things, including damaged or defective bricks, old or missing mortar, and poor drainage.
Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development, said: “We very much share the frustration felt here and want nothing more than for the Station Square upgrade to progress. It’s long been a council priority that we are doing everything we can to move along.
“Delays are partly due to water ingress issues given the building’s location next to the railway, which has now been resolved.
“There are outstanding negotiations with some businesses affected who had expressed an interest in relocation.”
What is next?
The council explained it was ‘eager’ for these negotiations to conclude so phase two could begin in “summer 2025.”
When these works start, the pedestrian route through the arcade from Rye Lane to the station will be closed off until the new square is completed.
And what about the station?
Network Rail got planning permission in 2023 to modernise Peckham Rye station. The proposal will see the Grade-II listed station get new lifts and stair access to all platforms, wider platforms, accessible toilets, additional gate lines and a new entrance. Network Rail says this will “dramatically improve the passenger experience and safety, particularly for people with luggage, wheelchairs and pushchairs”.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Our plans to upgrade Peckham Rye station currently await a funding decision from Government to progress to the next Design stage.
“If funding is secured, we anticipate this stage will take two years to complete followed by a further two years to complete construction. Details of any planned closures to the station won’t be confirmed until the Design stage and construction of the station is anticipated to follow improvements to the new public square.
“We look forward to providing an update to passengers, local residents and stakeholders upon receiving a funding decision from Government.”
No date has been confirmed for this yet, however, the delay to the square upgrade means the works may overlap.
