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Emerging priorities for Peckham

We want to hear what you think will improve the Peckham neighbourhood.

This page is for you, the residents of Peckham, to raise the priorities that you are passionate about in this Neighbourhood. You can discuss each other’s ideas by commenting on other people’s posts and show your support for ideas by liking posts. This page will be reviewed regularly and ideas will be shared with the Neighbourhood Champion for their consideration and could be discussed at a future Neighbourhood meeting.

If you raise specific issues that might be better addressed by one of the teams here at the council then we will direct you to the best team to contact.

Examples of ideas could include

· Foster vibrant street life and cultural expression

· Improve housing and reduce overcrowding

· Strengthen support for young people and families

· Address community safety and lighting

· Celebrate Peckham’s unique identity

Open for participation

Phases

Phases overview

Emerging priorities

Emerging priorities

25 June 2025 - No end date

As part of our engagement on our Southwark 2030 strategy, residents were asked to select their top priority from one of fourteen options:

Children, young people and families
Climate change
Community safety
Education
Equality and rights
Financial security
Health and wellbeing
Influence over decisions which affect you, your family and your community
Jobs and the local economy
Things to do
Transport
Your home
Your neighbourhood and local community

This chart illustrates how residents in your neighbourhood responded.

13 issues

Oli Greenaway8 months ago I am writing to urge Southwark Council to do everything in its power to secure funding for the Peckham Rye Station upgrade. The recent decision by the Department for Transport to cancel the scheme is a severe blow to Peckham and the thousands of people who rely on the station every day. This project must not be allowed to die.The station is the busiest in the entire country without lifts. Its cramped platforms, bottlenecked ticket gates and lack of step-free access make it unfit for purpose. For passengers with mobility issues, parents with prams, older residents and anyone carrying shopping, it is an exhausting and sometimes unsafe experience.Planning permission for the upgrade was granted in August 2023. Funding had been secured for detailed engineering work and construction was expected to start next year. To see the project abandoned at this stage is not just frustrating, it is unacceptable. The proposed improvements would have brought lifts, wider concourses, larger gatelines and safer, more accessible platforms. These changes are not cosmetic. They are essential for a growing and diverse community.I am asking the Council to take urgent action. If the Department for Transport refuses to provide the necessary funds, then alternative sources must be found. Whether through regional transport budgets, partnerships with Transport for London, or other grants, the Council must make it clear that this project is a priority for Southwark.Peckham residents and the thousands who use the station daily deserve a modern, accessible and safe transport hub. The Council has the opportunity to lead on this and show that our community will not be overlooked again.https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/disastrous-landolt-brown-slams-peckham-rye-station-funding-snub

Oli Greenaway8 months ago I am writing to urge a significant and long-overdue improvement to the visual and environmental quality of Rye Lane, through the introduction of mature street trees as part of a wider greening strategy. At present, Rye Lane is a bleak, overheated corridor entirely dominated by concrete. It lacks any meaningful greenery, shade, or natural buffer. This has created a harsh, lifeless environment that is unattractive to residents, inhospitable for visitors, and difficult for businesses trying to encourage footfall.The Current RealityRye Lane is an example of urban design that has prioritised function over comfort and ignored the essential value of nature in the public realm. There are no trees and no soft landscaping to break up the visual monotony of tarmac, brick, and metal. The street absorbs heat in the summer, offers no protection from rain or pollution, and lacks any of the humanising touches found in more thoughtfully designed urban areas. As a result, it has become a space that people pass through rather than a place to enjoy.This is more than an aesthetic concern. The absence of trees contributes directly to: Higher air pollution and poorer respiratory health Heat retention and thermal discomfort during warmer months A lower perception of safety and civic pride Reduced biodiversity and loss of ecological function The Benefits of Tree PlantingThe introduction of mature or semi-mature street trees on Rye Lane would offer immediate and long-lasting improvements. These include:1. Cooler, Cleaner AirTrees provide shade that cools surrounding surfaces, helping to reduce urban heat island effects. They also act as natural filters, capturing particulate pollution and releasing oxygen. London’s tree canopy has been valued in the billions for its health and environmental benefits. Streets like Cheapside and Walthamstow High Street have recorded measurable air quality improvements after introducing trees.2. Better Mental and Physical WellbeingGreen streets reduce stress, encourage walking, and promote community interaction. They make people feel safer, more relaxed, and more likely to use public space positively. Boroughs such as Camden, Hackney, and Ealing have used street greening as a tool to improve quality of life and increase public engagement.3. Biodiversity and Climate ResilienceTrees attract birds, insects, and pollinators. They also help reduce surface flooding by intercepting rainwater and allowing natural infiltration into the ground. With proper root infrastructure, trees support healthier soil and stabilise temperature extremes. This strengthens resilience in the face of future climate pressures.4. Boosted Footfall and Local EconomyA greener high street draws more people. Shoppers linger longer and spend more in areas that are comfortable, shaded, and visually appealing. Case studies show that greener commercial streets experience higher levels of pedestrian activity and better performance for local businesses.Case Studies from Across London Walthamstow High Street introduced a coordinated tree planting scheme using soil cells and semi-mature species. The result was a vibrant, shaded, and pedestrian-friendly street that improved biodiversity and encouraged longer visits. Cheapside in the City of London planted species tailored to the microclimate without reducing traffic lanes. The area saw a 50 percent increase in pedestrian footfall and a dramatic improvement in the feel of the street. Hackney Council’s Streetscape Projects worked directly with local communities to develop greening plans that were well supported and sustainable over the long term, even when initial concerns were raised. Suggested Actions for Rye Lane1. Plant Broadleaf Trees in Key LocationsIntroduce mature or heavy-standard trees, such as London Plane, Lime, or Sweet Gum, which are suited to dense urban environments and provide robust canopy cover. Planting should be strategic and continuous wherever pavement width allows.2. Use Proper Tree InfrastructureInstall engineered tree pits with soil cells, irrigation systems, and root barriers. This ensures long-term health of the trees while preventing pavement heave and surface disruption. Walthamstow and Cheapside used this approach successfully.3. Launch a Community Sponsorship SchemeModel the "Trees for Streets" initiative, allowing local businesses and residents to sponsor tree planting and take part in maintenance efforts. Haringey has already planted over 2,500 trees using a similar framework.4. Integrate Greening with Wider RegenerationLink the tree planting programme with Southwark’s broader public realm strategy, including sustainable drainage, biodiversity corridors, and public seating. Combine trees with rain gardens and pocket parks to support both ecology and social use.Why This Matters NowRye Lane urgently needs this transformation. It currently reflects an outdated and unsustainable model of urban planning. It is overcrowded, overheated, and lacking in civic character. At a time when London faces growing challenges related to air pollution, heat stress, and declining biodiversity, Southwark should be leading by example in reimagining its high streets as green, welcoming spaces.Planting trees is one of the most cost-effective and high-impact ways to revitalise public space. It softens the street, improves air and noise quality, encourages walking and cycling, and supports healthier, more vibrant communities. It also signals that the Council is investing in the area’s long-term future and the wellbeing of its residents. Given the work currently going on with Peckham Rye Station, this is the perfect time to undertake a project like this.A Clear OpportunityI encourage Southwark Council to commission: A site assessment and visual audit of Rye Lane to identify suitable tree pit locations A planting plan with species selection based on local conditions and maintenance capacity A pilot phase in partnership with local community groups and businesses This project would build on Southwark’s positive record of urban tree planting, which has already surpassed 11,500 new trees borough-wide. Rye Lane now deserves to be at the forefront of this success.

Oli Greenaway9 months ago No more sacks or crates on the pavement. All businesses must store waste responsibly and out of public view until collection. This should be enforced with on-the-spot fines.What was once a proud high street is now overwhelmed by filth, stench, and disorder. The current system of allowing shops to dump rubbish directly onto the pavement is not just failing, it is actively destroying the whole area.Rotting meat, leaking bin bags, and piles of waste are left out in the open every day. The smell is unbearable. Rats are thriving. Litter blows down the road like tumbleweed. And not all of it gets picked up. Some bags are split open before collection, spreading debris across the pavement. It’s revolting. It’s dangerous. And it’s unacceptable.This isn’t just about appearance. The health risks are real. The streets are often so dirty it’s difficult to walk without stepping over trash. Visitors avoid the area. Families with children cross the road to escape the smell. Residents are left feeling ignored and ashamed of the place they call home.The current system, where businesses are permitted to pile rubbish on public pavements, is a policy failure. It cannot be allowed to continue. The council must drop this policy immediately and replace it with one that holds businesses to account.Enough is enough. People have had it. This street is part of our community, and we will not stand by while it is turned into a dumping ground. The council has a duty to protect public space and public health. It’s time to reverse the decline, restore some pride, and bring back a Rye Lane that people want to walk down, shop in, and be proud of.With the significant investment currently going into the upgrade of Rye Lane Station and the creation of a new public square, now is the moment for the council to act decisively. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to turn the corner and set a new standard for the area. There is no point in spending millions on an upgraded station and improved public realm if the streets around it are allowed to fall back into chaos and disrepair.Without serious changes to how waste, hygiene, and graffiti are managed, that investment will be undermined from day one. This is the time for bold, confident action that shows respect for local residents, business owners, and everyone who uses Rye Lane. The community deserves better, and with this regeneration project underway, the council has both the responsibility and the opportunity to deliver real, lasting change.

Oli Greenaway7 months ago I am writing to request that Southwark Council prioritise and coordinate a programme of improvements to Queens Road Peckham station. This is a station in urgent need of care and attention, and the Council has a key role to play in ensuring that it becomes fit for purpose for the thousands of residents who rely on it daily.The cancellation of the long-promised accessibility upgrades at Peckham Rye means that there is now no reliable step-free access at any station in Peckham. This leaves disabled passengers, older residents, and parents with buggies effectively excluded from rail travel in our area. In this context, improvements to Queens Road Peckham are more critical than ever, and it is essential that Southwark Council take an active leadership role.Council-led and joint actions neededWhile certain responsibilities rest with Network Rail, the Department for Transport and train operators, there are many areas where the Council has direct influence or can act as a partner to deliver improvements. These include: Public realm and station surroundings: The streetscape around Queens Road Peckham is bleak, neglected and unwelcoming. Improved lighting, paving, greenery, seating, wayfinding and cycle parking would make a tangible difference to safety and accessibility. Tackling graffiti and maintaining a consistent cleaning regime would also signal that the station is cared for. Heritage features and civic pride: The station building, though modest, is part of Peckham’s historic railway viaduct and could be enhanced by restoring its original architectural features. Working with local heritage groups to restore brickwork, arches, and original signage would give the station character and dignity. Murals, art and placemaking: Peckham is known for its creativity, yet Queens Road Peckham is one of the most uninspiring station environments in South London. Commissioning local artists for murals, public art, or even functional but creative street furniture would make the station feel like part of Peckham’s identity rather than an afterthought. Accessibility: While lift maintenance is the responsibility of Network Rail, Southwark Council can and must press for a clear timetable for reliable step-free access. The Council should also explore joint bids with Network Rail and TfL to Levelling Up or GLA funds to secure permanent, high-quality solutions. Community safety: The station environment currently feels dilapidated and uncared for. Constant graffiti, piles of litter and the lack of a coherent design standard create an atmosphere that fosters antisocial behaviour. A joint approach between the Council, transport operators and community groups to improve cleanliness, lighting and surveillance would help tackle these issues. Weather protection: At present, users are left exposed to wind, rain and cold while waiting on the platforms or outside the station entrance. A well-designed canopy, in keeping with the historic Victorian character of the viaduct, would not only protect passengers during the long wet months of the year but would also create a station environment that residents can be proud of. Why this mattersQueens Road Peckham is not just a transport node. It is the first impression many people have of the area. At present, that impression is one of decay and neglect. This undermines community confidence, discourages investment and makes residents feel let down. Conversely, improvements in station environments are proven to increase passenger numbers, reduce crime, and improve local economic performance.With Peckham Rye’s promised upgrades shelved, Queens Road Peckham now carries an even greater burden. It must become accessible, welcoming and safe if Peckham is not to be left behind. This is a moment for Southwark Council to demonstrate leadership, both by acting directly on the public realm and by pressing Network Rail and the DfT to meet their obligations.RequestI therefore ask that Southwark Council: Commit funding and resources for immediate improvements to the public realm, cleanliness and lighting around the station. Work with local artists, heritage groups and businesses to restore and enhance the station environment with art, murals and heritage restoration. Establish a joint working group with Network Rail, TfL and local stakeholders to secure reliable step-free access and to plan a medium-term station upgrade. Ensure that Queens Road Peckham is included as a priority in future funding bids to the GLA and national government. Queens Road Peckham has been left behind for too long. With Peckham Rye’s cancellation, it is no longer acceptable for it to remain a neglected, dilapidated station. It deserves investment, care and vision, and the Council has the means and responsibility to make this happen.

Oli Greenaway7 months ago I am writing to request that Southwark Council take stronger action to tackle the persistent problem of fly-tipping in Peckham by installing CCTV and clear deterrent signage in known hotspots.Fly-tipping is one of the most visible and damaging blights on our local environment. It creates unhygienic conditions for residents, attracts vermin, and degrades the character of our neighbourhoods. The problem is not only aesthetic but also financial. The Council is currently forced to remove dumped rubbish on a daily basis in some streets, at significant public expense. This cycle of dumping and clearance is wasteful, unsustainable, and demoralising for residents who want to see their area treated with care.It is clear that offenders are repeatedly targeting the same locations, as data from platforms such as FixMyStreet.com consistently shows. Almost all of this dumping takes place at night, when streets are quiet and there is little chance of offenders being seen. This makes CCTV the only realistic way to catch those responsible. Without surveillance, the perpetrators know they can continue with impunity.Installing CCTV in hotspot areas, alongside clear signage warning of enforcement, would break this cycle. While the high street areas of Peckham benefit from natural surveillance, residential streets and side roads are much more vulnerable. It is precisely these overlooked spots that attract repeated dumping and require targeted monitoring.CCTV has already proven effective in other boroughs, where it has both deterred new incidents and provided the evidence needed to secure prosecutions. By deploying it strategically, Southwark Council can protect residents, reduce clearance costs, and send a clear message that fly-tipping will not be tolerated.I therefore urge the Council to: Analyse resident-reported data (including FixMyStreet) to identify the worst affected hotspots in Peckham. Install fixed CCTV cameras in those locations, with prominent signage to maximise deterrence. Ensure footage is actively monitored and used to support enforcement action against offenders. Feed this data the Met Police's Live Facial Recognition database. Publicise these measures so residents know the issue is being addressed and offenders are put on notice. This approach would cut costs, improve hygiene and safety, and restore civic pride in Peckham’s streets. Without it, residents will continue to live with the daily reality of waste piling up, knowing that offenders act freely under cover of darkness.

Oli Greenaway7 months ago I am writing to request that Southwark Council take immediate and decisive action to carry out a full and total clean-up of graffiti along Rye Lane. While occasional efforts have been made to remove easily accessible tags, the persistent presence of graffiti, especially the high and hard-to-reach tags, continues to send a damaging message: that this type of behaviour is tolerated, and that the council is unable or unwilling to enforce order in one of the borough’s busiest streets.Rye Lane is one of Peckham’s key commercial and cultural arteries, yet its condition has been described by locals and visitors alike as “an eyesore,” “run-down,” and “a street that feels abandoned to vandalism.” These impressions matter. Studies consistently show that environments neglected in this way foster further antisocial behaviour. The “broken windows theory,” first introduced by Wilson and Kelling (1982), found that visible signs of disorder such as graffiti, litter, and vandalism not only reduce community confidence but also actively encourage more crime and disorder. The Home Office has itself acknowledged that “graffiti contributes to fear of crime and the perception that an area is uncared for” (Home Office Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, 2004).Most notably, the persistence of tags high up on buildings along Rye Lane has, for years, gone unchallenged. These are not opportunistic scribbles: they are bold, deliberate acts that demonstrate confidence that the perpetrators will not be stopped. Leaving them in place signals that the council lacks control of the street environment. This is precisely what encourages repeated offending and fuels a culture of impunity. Tackling only the low-level graffiti achieves very little, as new tags appear within days. It is the longstanding, hard-to-reach markings which most clearly symbolise neglect and must therefore be prioritised.To reverse this cycle, I strongly urge the Council to: Commit to a complete graffiti removal programme for Rye Lane – not just the ground-level walls, but also the rooftops, upper storeys, and hard-to-access façades. Deploy appropriate equipment and contractors – including ladders, cherry pickers, or scaffolding, to ensure every single tag is removed. Publicly communicate this clean-up effort – making clear to residents and businesses that the Council is restoring order and pride to Rye Lane. Evidence shows that such interventions work. A 2008 study by Keizer, Lindenberg and Steg found that removing graffiti and visible disorder reduced rule-breaking behaviour by up to 50%. Similarly, London councils that have adopted robust clean-up policies report both improved public perception and tangible reductions in repeat offending.Rye Lane deserves no less. Businesses, residents, and visitors should not be confronted daily by the signs of disorder that currently define this vital street. A thorough and properly resourced clean-up will not only improve the appearance of the area, but will also reinforce the message that Peckham is a safe, cared-for, and thriving place.I therefore ask Southwark Council to commit to a complete removal of all graffiti on Rye Lane, with particular focus on the high-level tags that have been left untouched for far too long. Anything less will continue to signal weakness, invite further vandalism, and undermine the area’s potential.

Oli Greenaway6 months ago I write to ask you to consider a substantial rethink of how commercial waste is managed along Rye Lane. I believe that current practices of businesses dumping waste onto the open street are no longer sustainable, in terms of cleanliness, public health, aesthetics and efficiency and I propose that we adopt underground (or semi-underground) waste storage systems as a long-term, more effective solution.1. Observations on the Current Situation Many local businesses, especially meat and produce markets, are disposing of commercial waste directly onto the pavement / street, often outside collection times. This leads to accumulation of waste bags, unpleasant odours, pests (foxes, rats), litter dispersion, and blocked footpaths. The impact is felt by residents, shoppers, and business owners alike: local environment degrades, footfall may suffer, customer impressions are affected, street cleaning costs rise, and staff / businesses are burdened by maintaining cleanliness. The existing model includes bans and enforcement, but enforcement is always retrospective; managing waste more proactively via infrastructure may offer better long-term benefits. 2. What Underground Waste Storage Systems AreThese are systems where large capacity receptacles are set below ground level, with only a small inlet / chute visible at street level. Users deposit waste via the chute; the main bulk bin sits underground, often with sealed lids, locking mechanisms, sensors for fill level, and collection via crane or lifting mechanism. Semi-underground or “super bins” are similar in principle. Some units are modular and designed to blend into the streetscape.Examples of suppliers / systems: SULO ICEBERG® — more than 50,000 units across Europe; standard units of ~5 m³ which can replace many smaller bins; they require less above-ground space, reduce hygiene issues. SULO UK Alon Group, Sotkon Koncept, Evirum, etc. — point to systems with larger capacities, improved design for sealing, durability, safety features, and lower frequency of emptying. sotkon.com 3. Case Studies & Precedents in the UKThere are several UK councils / boroughs that have trialled or adopted subterranean or underground waste storage systems, with positive outcomes: Liverpool has begun installing “subterranean super-bins” in 140 locations in densely built-up areas. These replaced many communal bins and the result is expected to significantly reduce on-street rubbish, improve cleanliness, and reduce the workload of street cleaning. lapv.co.uk Bradford is considering similar super-bins in its city centre to reduce on-street litter; the bins’ chutes are street-level but the main bulk is below ground. thetelegraphandargus.co.uk Cambridge / Eddington has used underground systems to replace large numbers of wheelie bins, especially in new developments. These have been praised for improving recycling performance and reducing visual and olfactory nuisance. apse.org.uk Tower Hamlets has in its planning guidance that underground container systems are already in use in the borough and are considered a good solution in high-density development; they allow for better storage capacity, fewer vehicle movements, and reduce dependency on residents dragging bins or presenting them at certain times. Tower Hamlets 4. Key Benefits of Underground Waste SystemsImplementing underground / super-bin systems along Rye Lane could bring multiple advantages:Improved hygiene, reduced pests & odours: Waste is sealed, less exposed to weather/rain, less accessible to animals; reduces bacterial growth and odours. Better streetscape and visual amenity: Less clutter of wheelie bins, fewer unsightly waste piles; improves perceptions for locals, shoppers, visitors.Reduced litter blow and environmental contamination: Bags ripped open by foxes or wind, debris scattering into greenery etc, can be greatly reduced.More efficient collections: Larger capacity means emptying is required less often; fill-level sensors permit optimised routing; fewer vehicle movements.Cost savings: Though initial capital cost is higher, over time savings via reduced cleaning, lower manpower demand, fewer enforcement actions etc.Positive impact on business fronts & customer experience: Cleaner frontage, fewer obstructions, better hygiene for food businesses, better environment for users of Rye Lane.5. Practical Suggestions for Implementation Along Rye LaneTwo suggested locations for underground waste store units: Near Highshore Road where it meets Rye Lane. Near Holly Grove at its junction with Rye Lane. These spots are convenient for many of the businesses that currently dump onto the pavement; however, exact positioning should be determined via survey (ground works, feasibility, traffic flow, utilities, etc.) Design considerations: capacity sufficient for commercial waste (especially meat, food markets), durable materials, sealed lids, perhaps restricted access where needed (e.g. locks or fobs) to prevent misuse / fly-tipping; sensors to indicate fill levels; mechanisms for collection via crane or hydraulic lift to avoid heavy handling by staff. Phasing: begin with a pilot (e.g. one or two units) to test usage, refine maintenance schedules, ensure buy-in from businesses; monitor results (cleanliness, cost, complaints) before rolling out more widely. Business engagement: ensure local businesses are consulted, made aware of the benefits, possibly subsidised or supported in transition; training or signage might help ensure correct usage (e.g. what types of waste go in which compartment, if multiple waste streams). 6. Proposed Outcome & AsksI respectfully request that Southwark Council: Commission a feasibility study for installing underground / super-bin units at one or more trial sites along Rye Lane (e.g. Highshore Road junction; Holly Grove junction). Engage local businesses in consultation to understand their needs, concerns, and willingness to adapt. Identify funding sources and cost estimates (capital + ongoing maintenance / collection). Monitor outcomes (cleanliness, footfall, business satisfaction, cost) and use evidence from the trial to decide on broader rollout. 7. ConclusionThe status quo of commercial waste being dumped onto the street is creating persistent problems along Rye Lane. With underground waste systems proven elsewhere in London and in other UK cities, this is not a radical or untested idea but rather a modern, evidence-based approach to keeping our streets clean, safe, and hospitable. It need not place undue burdens on businesses, and over time should bring savings and improvements for the Council, local economy, residents, and environment.

Oli Greenaway6 months ago Executive summaryCreate a dedicated grant fund to restore historic shopfronts, pub facades and residential terraces along Rye Lane, Peckham High Street and Queens Road Peckham. The fund will support reinstatement of original windows, signage and detailing, repair of façades, and conservation-sensitive upgrades such as traditional lighting and rainwater goods. The scheme is low cost relative to area regeneration budgets but high impact: it will improve perceptions of safety and care, raise local footfall, support independent traders and help stabilise and increase commercial and residential property values. Comparable frontage and shopfront programmes in London boroughs such as Islington and Camden show clear public realm, retail and economic benefits and can be used as models. Why now and why this matters for Peckham Visible public realm drives behaviour and investment. International and UK evidence shows that improvements to building frontages and street character increase pedestrian footfall, reduce low level crime and encourage higher quality retail offers. Small grants for façades are one of the fastest ways to raise the visible standard of a high street. Peckham has significant heritage assets worth protecting. Examples include the Bussey Building and associated Rye Lane cluster, the entrance way into Choumert Grove car park, the historic railway viaduct and archways, the former Jones & Higgins department store site, and the ensemble of Victorian terraces and pubs around Queens Road Peckham and Rye Lane. These assets provide a distinct character that can be amplified rather than erased Public realm investment reduces disorder and cost to the council. Persistent fly-tipping, graffiti and poorly maintained façades signal neglect and attract repeat antisocial behaviour. A funded, proactive restoration programme combined with a Clean & Care SLA will reduce recurring clearance costs and improve perceptions of safety. Heritage led interventions support economic resilience. Case studies and policy guidance from the Mayor of London and London boroughs show shopfront improvements support local trading conditions and can leverage private investment into adjoining properties. Camden and Islington operate grant programmes that show how small public funds catalyse larger private and business investment. Five illustrative local heritage assets to prioritise for grants or immediate actionThese are examples to be used in initial grant rounds, public consultation and site appraisals:1. 117–125 Rye Lane (Art Deco Building)This striking 1930s Art Deco frontage is one of Peckham’s finest examples of interwar design but has suffered from poor maintenance and inappropriate shopfront alterations. Restoring the façade, reinstating period windows and lighting, and enhancing the entrance would not only preserve its architectural significance but create a landmark gateway that signals Peckham’s heritage pride.2. Tower Cinema Building (connects Rye Lane to Choumert Grove)Once a bustling entertainment venue, the Tower Cinema building is a rare surviving piece of Peckham’s leisure history. The site has potential for sensitive restoration and repurposing into community, cultural, or mixed-use space, drawing footfall while celebrating Peckham’s role as a historic hub of south London life. Currently left in a state of disrepair, covered in graffiti and flytipped waste.3. Former Jones & Higgins Department Store (corner of Rye Lane and Peckham High Street)This iconic building was once the beating heart of Peckham’s shopping district. A phased restoration could reinstate its original Victorian grandeur, including its distinctive façade and rhythm of shopfronts. This would strengthen Rye Lane’s identity, encourage higher quality retail and food operators, and complement nearby cultural anchors like the Bussey Building and Copeland Park.4. Khan’s Bargains (Rye Lane)Although currently a budget retailer, the building itself is of significant historic value, with a traditional Victorian façade obscured by modern signage and cladding. A targeted restoration would enhance the streetscape, improve shopfront rhythm along Rye Lane, and help attract a more diverse mix of businesses.5. The Kentish Drovers PubOne of the area’s oldest surviving pubs, the Kentish Drovers has strong ties to Peckham’s social history. Restoring its original features and improving the public realm around it would strengthen the gateway in to Peckham, while supporting the revival of traditional “corner pub” culture that many communities value. Supposedly up for sale by Weatherspoon's, this would be a good time to restore the original features.Fund design and eligibility (practical model for Southwark)NamePeckham Heritage Shopfront and Façade FundTotal pilot budget£300,000 over 2 years (example). This could be scaled up subject to capital programme alignment.Grant sizes Small works: £1,000–£5,000 for minor repairs, paintwork and signage. Medium works: £5,001–£20,000 for re-instatement of traditional windows, door surrounds and decorative elements. Larger façade grants: £20,001–£50,000 for structural repairs, reinstatement of traditional shopfronts and conservation glazing where required. Eligibility Shopfronts, pubs, terraced houses and key public buildings on Rye Lane, Peckham High Street and Queens Road Peckham, plus immediate side streets within the conservation area boundary. Owners or long leaseholders may apply. Preference for ground floor commercial units where upgrades demonstrate public benefit. Applicants must agree to conservation guidance, using approved materials and contractors, and provide at least 25% match funding for medium and large grants where possible. Design guidanceWork must follow a short conservation and shopfront design toolkit prepared by the Council that references original Victorian/Georgian/Art Deco details and uses best practice for traditional materials and colour palettes. Use existing conservation area appraisals and the Peckham historic records as the baseline.Delivery model A small grants panel within the Council with two local representatives (Peckham Society or Peckham Heritage), one conservation officer and one business representative to speed decisions. Offer an approved list of local contractors and a standardised grant agreement and payment schedule to simplify procurement for small traders. Combine grants with a “shopfront offer” service providing technical advice, measured drawings and help with listed building consents where relevant. Complementary actions to maximise impactShopfront pilotsDeliver 6 pilot shopfront restorations in the first year concentrated in a contiguous stretch of Rye Lane to create a visible cluster effect. Evidence from other towns shows clusters produce more benefit than isolated works.Façade cleaning and graffiti preventionFund protective surface treatments and anti-graffiti coatings for restored features and install low level lighting and CCTV where heritage works adjoin vandalism hotspots. Cleaning combined with restoration reduces recurrence of tagging. Public realm tie-insCoordinate the grant rounds with pavement repairs, street tree planting and new street furniture so the façade works sit within a high quality streetscape. That combination increases duration of benefit. Business support offerPair physical grants with business support: marketing, events, help opening pop-up markets that showcase improved shops and encourage higher footfall. Camden and Islington show that coupling place and business support increases sustainability. Conservation education and community interpretationFund a small interpretation trail or leaflet that explains restored features and local history. This raises pride in place and encourages visitors. Use Peckham Heritage material to populate the trail.Evidence and comparable schemes (why this will work) Shopfront and frontage projects deliver measurable uplift. The Mayor of London’s high street frontage work and local council shopfront schemes show improved retail performance and visual quality after interventions. This includes Camden and Islington programmes where citizen participation and grant pots deliver both social and economic return. Public realm and heritage investment reduce crime and increase perception of safety. Studies on environmental improvements link reduced visible disorder to lower incidence of petty crime and to higher local economic activity. The “broken windows” literature and subsequent applied studies show that maintained environments deter recurring antisocial behaviour. Business Improvement Districts and concentrated place investment lift values. Research finds that BID activity and coordinated place investment correlate with reductions in crime and increases in property values. Policymakers should be aware of trade offs and mitigate displacement effects by including local priority measures. Local benefits and outcomes (what success looks like)Short term (0–12 months) 6–10 visible façades restored on Rye Lane and Queens Road Peckham providing immediate uplift to pedestrian experience. Increased footfall on improved streets by 10–20 percent in pilot sections measured by simple pedestrian counts. Positive resident and trader feedback on street quality in a post-intervention survey. Medium term (12–36 months) Improvement in business turnover among participating shops through higher dwell time and footfall. Reduction in repeat graffiti and fly-tipping incidents at pilot sites due to better maintenance and stewardship. Demonstrable private matching investment into neighbouring properties and new quality retail enquiries for vacant units. Long term (3–7 years) Measurable stabilisation and modest uplift of commercial rents and residential values in the focused corridors relative to control areas. Stronger local identity and visitor numbers to heritage trail points and curated markets. A durable maintenance partnership between traders, residents and the Council ensuring longer term upkeep. Costs and an example pilot budget (illustrative)Pilot budget £300,000 over 2 years broken down as: Grants for façades and shopfronts (10 medium/large grants average £18k): £180,000 Small grants and emergency repairs (20 small grants average £2.5k): £50,000 Technical support, design and officer time: £25,000 Business support and marketing for improved street: £15,000 Interpretation signage and heritage trail materials: £10,000 Contingency and monitoring: £20,000 Total: £300,000 This is a modest ask relative to major capital programmes and can be funded from town centre regeneration budgets, high street levelling funds or developer contributions where appropriate.Governance, monitoring and safeguarding against displacement Panel governance combining Council officers, a local heritage body (Peckham Heritage or Peckham Society) and a trader representative. Monitoring framework with pedestrian counts, business turnover surveys and incident logs for fly-tipping and graffiti at trial sites. Inclusion measures to reduce displacement risk: require a proportion of grants to go to independent local traders and include a small business retention fund for long-standing community businesses that face rent pressure. Safeguarding: any work involving listed fabric follows standard listed building consent procedures and contractors are required to adhere to conservation best practice. Suggested first steps for Southwark Council officers Approve a pilot budget of £300k and convene a short project board with conservation, economy, public realm and community leads. Publish a short design guidance note and an open call for pilot expressions of interest from owners on Rye Lane, Peckham High Street and Queens Road Peckham. Select a contiguous cluster for the first 6–10 pilot works to create a cluster effect and contract a conservation architect to prepare standardised shopfront drawings. Pair pilots with a Clean & Care SLA and one public realm tie-in (tree planting or a pavement repair) so the façade work sits within a package of visible improvements. Publish a 6-month impact brief so lessons can be applied to a second round and scaled across Peckham and North Peckham corridors. Final noteA targeted Heritage Victorian & Georgian Building Restoration Fund is a high impact, low risk intervention that protects Peckham’s character while delivering measurable economic, social and environmental returns. It is politically popular, technically feasible and can be started quickly. By focusing on Rye Lane, Peckham High Street and Queens Road Peckham the Council can safeguard rare historic assets, support local traders and create a sustained improvement in how the area looks and feels for families, visitors and investors alike. This is a pragmatic way to make Peckham cleaner, safer and more prosperous while preserving what makes it distinctive.

Jessica Pike5 months ago I regularly walk and cycle on Naylor Road which crosses over Commercial Way and I think this junction could really benefit from a parallel crossing (pedestrians and cyclists have right of way). Commercial Way is a busy road during peak times and this would help people walking and cycling cross the road safely. When approaching this junction from the northern end of Naylor Road, sight lines are obscured by the hoardings on the construction site so it can be difficult to see if there’s an oncoming vehicle approaching from the right. My hope is that a parallel crossing here would encourage drivers to be more alert to people walking and cycling crossing over Commerical Way along Naylor Road.

K P7 months ago

Oli Greenaway8 months ago I am writing to urge Southwark Council to work in partnership with Network Rail to address the persistent issue of graffiti and illegal flyposting on the railway bridges leading into Peckham Rye station.These bridges, particularly where Rye Lane meets the station, are prominent gateways into Peckham and currently present an unwelcoming and neglected impression. While graffiti is quickly replaced, the infrastructure remains unmanaged, and it undermines the broader efforts the Council is making to regenerate the area.With the redevelopment of Peckham Square now underway and upgrades to the beautiful Victorian station building progressing, this is an ideal moment to commission an artist-led mural on the railway bridges, much like those described in this Network Rail article and this Time Out article. This kind of collaboration has already been successful in nearby areas such as Catford, Forest Hill, and Brockley, where bold, well-designed murals have dramatically improved perceptions of local character and cleanliness.The benefits would be multiple: It would significantly improve the visual appearance of a key arrival point in Peckham and tap into the heritage of the local area. It would reduce tagging and flyposting, which often subsides in areas with high-quality murals. It would reinforce Peckham’s creative identity in a way that is authentic and low-cost. It would align with the public realm enhancements already being made by the Council. This is a low-cost, high-impact opportunity to help shift perceptions of the area and show residents that public infrastructure is being cared for. I hope Southwark Council can prioritise a dialogue with Network Rail and explore commissioning an artist in the near future.

Vale Valentina8 months ago

Mariam Calvo-Rodrigo6 months ago

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Improving Transport Links in the Nunhead, Peckham and Old Kent Road Neighbourhood areas
Event date: September 23rd, 2025 from 18:30 to 20:00.
Rye Lane Baptist Chapel
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