Widely considered too complex, this 1.7-acre site lay derelict and unloved for over 25 years. We were appointed by Transport for London as their conditional joint venture partner to create a high-quality, mixed-use development that would stitch this prime location in London’s Zone 1 back together.

How it worked

Following extensive consultation with the local community, councillors, interest groups and key stakeholders, as well as onsite activities, workshops and events, in March 2019 we submitted our plan that respects the area’s rich heritage and culture.

Recreating Landmark Court’s historic lanes and yards, our development will provide much needed homes, offices and retail space, along with a new marketplace, for this close-knit community, whilst protecting and enhancing neighbouring Crossbones Graveyard.

While 78% of the general public believe public assets should be put to work for community benefit, around 45% feel negatively about the use of Public Private Partnerships (PPP) to develop publicly owned land.

We believe in the power of these partnerships to deliver lasting value and benefits for both people and places.

Challenging norms

We wanted to restore trust in PPP and drive new industry standards so we undertook extensive research, consultation and a listening programme with the public, private and civic sectors.

With widespread support, including from Minister for Local Government Rishi Sunak MP, we have put our findings and commitments in a paper: PPP – The Reset. We expect this to enhance transparency, hold our PPP projects to account and encourage others to follow our lead.

This led to us being shortlisted for the Irvine Sellar Award for Innovation, for ground-breaking projects that have shaken up an industry.

Inspired by its heritage as a municipal market, our £130 million GDV scheme seeks to create a productive, sustainable model of city life – one with a real sense of community and social responsibility.

How we think for the long-term

Starting with a single elm tree, planted when we first opened up this long-term derelict 2.4-acre site for events, we hand-picked a further 100 trees.

These trees form part of a public realm within the site, made up of university student accommodation, homes, an office and a new home for South East Dance, which will welcome c.17,000 local people through its doors each year.

Why sustainability is important and the value it creates

Working with local businesses to source the bricks and cement for this BREEAM-excellent development, our final mixed-use creative scheme will provide over 400 new jobs and add more than £200 million of gross value to the local economy over the next ten years.

Real estate is a platform for innovation. Done well, a building is more than just four walls – it is a place that can inspire, motivate and drive people, promoting happiness, learning and greater productivity.

We consider our work to be a privilege. We seek out the potential in overlooked spaces, collaborating with communities to create a shared vision and use our planning expertise and creative flair in regeneration to activate and breathe new life into places.

From here, talent can be nurtured, communities can thrive and innovation can flourish.

Each project we complete is a chance to deliver against our promises and to reflect, so we can learn from our experiences and keep improving.

Building on the success of Central Research Laboratory at The Old Vinyl Factory in Hayes, in 2020 we will launch a new innovation hub called Plus X at Preston Barracks in Brighton, helping to nurture upcoming talent, inspired by the spaces they work in. This is just the start as we plan to develop this concept further at other major regeneration projects.