In February we set out our proposals to redevelop St Olav's Court to create much needed homes for local people including 3 bed family size units as well as upgraded commercial space. Our plans included providing two high quality buildings with distinct identities to be separated by a generous new pedestrian through-route.
We are grateful to the many local residents, businesses and community groups who have given us feedback on our initial plans. This has really helped us shape our emerging plans.
We have responded positively to that feedback and our plans have improved as a result. So while our shared living scheme will still include a range of high quality amenity spaces the building will now be smaller and slimmer and will have more of a Rotherhithe feel to it.
Our affordable housing building will provide 24 high quality family homes, which will contribute towards Southwark’s housing targets and meets the Council’s policy that 35% of habitable rooms should be affordable.
The building housing the shared living accommodation will benefit from upgraded commercial facilities on the ground and first floors, improving accommodation for existing local businesses and encouraging new companies to move in, activating the local area and creating a better environment for pedestrians and users of the park.
Both buildings will aim to achieve the highest sustainability standards and will incorporate biodiverse roofs that will help conserve energy and provide a natural habitat that encourages plants and small wildlife.
We propose improvements to Christopher Jones Square that would see the area made safer through better lighting and paving. We also plan to provide a Fair Play mixed ability, accessible and inclusive children’s playground with facilities available for all local people in the green space to the north of Christopher Jones Square.
In light of the strong support shown in the consultation for the proposal to provide a mixed ability, accessible and inclusive children’s playspace, we are progressing with the plans to bring more outdoor open areas and children’s play facilities for the local community.
The playground will have no barriers to access ensuring that users of all abilities can play together or on their own. Promoting inclusive play helps prevent people with special needs feeling ignored and excluded. It supports social integration by encouraging better understanding, which in turn reduces prejudice.
Our team would like to continue to hear the views of local people about our proposals. You can give us your feedback by visiting our Contact page.