Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 21, Southwark councillors have approved plans to redevelop Skipton House at Elephant and Castle into one of South London’s largest mixed-use schemes. The project, led by developer London & Regional Properties, involves demolishing the vacant seven-storey office block built in the 1990s above the old tube station to make way for four new towers.
The development will feature two taller towers of 30 and 31 storeys, providing 1,434 purpose-built student rooms. Alongside these, two smaller towers of 21 and 23 storeys will deliver 243 affordable residential units. The housing will be divided into 171 homes for social rent and 72 designated as intermediate, including shared ownership and London Living Rent options.
The residential mix is planned to meet varying needs, with 77 one-bedroom, 108 two-bedroom, and 58 three-bedroom apartments. This structure reflects the aim to create a balanced range of housing choices for different household sizes.
The project also includes commercial and community facilities. Approximately 1,629 square metres will be allocated for these purposes, ensuring that the development not only provides housing but also supports local services and amenities. A key feature of the scheme is the creation of a new public space named Skipton Circus. This civic square is designed to reduce pedestrian congestion in the area while offering a flexible space for community use, including events, markets, and performances.
Architecture and design firms HTA Design and Turkington Martin are responsible for the design of the development. Their plans integrate residential, student, and community functions within a coherent layout that aims to improve connectivity and enhance the urban environment around Elephant and Castle.
The approval of this redevelopment marks a significant step in the ongoing transformation of South London’s urban landscape. By combining student housing, affordable homes, and community infrastructure, the project reflects broader efforts to address housing needs while creating spaces that encourage social interaction and local activity.
Skipton House’s redevelopment illustrates how underutilized properties in central locations can be reimagined to deliver both housing supply and public value. Once completed, the scheme will add substantial capacity to the area’s housing stock, support student accommodation demand, and contribute to the wider regeneration of Elephant and Castle.
Through this initiative, London & Regional Properties, in collaboration with HTA Design and Turkington Martin, aims to set a benchmark for mixed-use urban projects that combine living, learning, and community functions within a single integrated development. The inclusion of Skipton Circus further strengthens the project’s role as a civic destination, offering a shared public space that enhances the quality of life for both residents and the wider community.
