Arup’s vision follows the council’s brief of putting the antiques market at the heart of the redevelopment, which has the chief aim of encouraging urban regeneration. The scheme relies on the formation of two distinct public spaces, the new Oval Market (both covered and open) and the historic Bermondsey Square.
Stallholders at the antiques market should benefit from improved lighting for the early mornings as well as far more convenient loading and unloading facilities. The council are also hoping to bring new life to the area by the addition of offices, flats, shops, two restaurants, a wine bar and even an hotel to the 1.5-acre site.
Once built, they expect to use the Market Square for arts events when it is not occupied for business. The project is expected to cost in the region of £19m.
Developers put Bermondsey plan before council for approval
THE long-awaited – and often controversial – scheme to redevelop Bermondsey Square is due to take a major step forward. Architects Arup Associates, who won the competition to design the new-look site, were due to submit their plans to Southwark Council for approval.
