A recap on our vision

As set out in our initial consultation last year, our vision for Borough Triangle is to deliver an exciting new destination for the local area.

This will include richly planted and biodiverse green spaces on the site, including a new, flexible and inclusive public piazza for the local community. At least15% of the site will be transformed into publicly accessible open space, exceeding the guidelines set out in Southwark Council’s site allocation.

A key priority of the ongoing design process has been to ensure that all new public spaces are accessible and welcoming to all.

It was encouraging to see particularly strong support among local people for new public open spaces on the site – we have taken this on board as we have progressed our proposals.

Our emerging proposals

We are proposing a range of spaces across the site, with a mix of hard landscaping (to  allow a range of community events of different sizes) and soft landscaping (creating wild spaces for play and relaxation).

As illustrated in the graphic below, this includes a central piazza and a new woodland area on the western side of the site, as well as new landscaped connections to Borough Road and Newington Causeway.

Illustrative sketch showing new public spaces

New public piazza

The new piazza will be designed to accommodate local residents, workers and visitors of all ages – including safe spaces for children and their families to learn and play. We are considering how we can make the space as accessible, welcoming and flexible as possible – using a combination of landscape materials such as planting, paving, water and furniture.

We welcome your suggestions as to how we can ensure that the space meets local needs and is welcoming to the whole community.

Illustrative sketch of the new public piazza

Woodland area

Woodland areas will be integrated within the site boundary at strategic locations to maximise biodiversity and create viable new habitats for local wildlife. Trees will be planted towards the southwest, where the soil will be deeper. This approach will also preserve views through the space, including from the railway arches to the west.

Native species of trees and other plants will be supplemented by non-native ones, to provide variety across the seasons; encourage pollination; and allow growth to be carefully managed.

The woodland will provide opportunities for children and their families to play, explore and learn about nature, with layered planting and stepping-stone paths through the space creating the sense of a ‘green oasis’.

Illustrative sketch showing potential play opportunities in the woodland area

Share your views

We’re keen to hear your feedback on our emerging proposals for new public spaces – please complete the survey below and get in touch with us at contact@boroughtriangle.com if you have any questions or comments at this stage.