southwark
WHERE IT’S HAPPENING With global waves of uncertainty lapping against our shores, in this edition we take time to reflect on the resilience of Southwark, and the reasons why people still flock to live and work in our borough. In a world of homogeneity, people are looking for distinctiveness, vibrancy and diversity. In Southwark, we are blessed with a deep history, and a melting pot of cultures which have created special places which we treasure. In this edition we tell you the story of three areas brimming with character: Rye Lane, Walworth Road and Tower Bridge Road. I am very proud of the organic changes to the Rye Lane area, with the recent openings of both Peckham Palms and the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, which together with the townscape heritage initiative are protecting and enhancing a unique neighbourhood. At the Elephant and Castle, our vision to put back the missing section of the Walworth Road is coming to fruition, with new shops and a public square finally connecting this historic high street back into the heart of the town centre.
While retail outlets are closing across the country, Tower Bridge Road at the Bricklayers Arms is bucking the trend, with a high street which continues to thrive. Located at the nexus of three regeneration areas, Bricklayers is benefitting from huge growth in population within walking distance of Old Kent Road, London Bridge and the Elephant and Castle: we hope you will join us in our campaign to Back the Bakerloo to build a new tube station here. If we can sum Southwark’s secret up in one word, I’d use ‘amenity’. We are working hard to reinvest as much of the funding from growth that we receive into creating the best possible amenities for our residents. What better place to showcase this ambition than our rich array of parks, which we feature in this edition with a spotlight on some of the 29 parks which have received Green Flag awards. During volatile times, we will continue to build world-class amenities and vibrant neighbourhoods. Come and celebrate diversity with us in Southwark.
Councillor Peter John OBE Leader of Southwark Council
CONTACT Dan Taylor / Chief Executive’s Department Southwark Council / 160 Tooley Street / SE1 2QH regen.info@southwark.gov.uk / 020 7525 5450 southwarkmagazine.com
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21 spring 2019 9
19/03/2019 13:51