Elephant Park Regeneration Enters Final Phase with New Co-Living and Health Hub Approved

The final phase of the extensive Elephant Park regeneration project in South East London has received approval, marking a significant step forward for the 3,000-home development. This latest phase, known as Chords, will introduce a substantial co-living component alongside much-needed community infrastructure, including a new NHS health centre.

Key Takeaways

The final phase will deliver 695 co-living flats and 20 family homes.
A new NHS health centre will be integrated into the development.
All affordable housing will be provided at social rent.
The project aims to create London’s first purpose-built co-living scheme.

Chords Development Details

The 1.2-acre mixed-use development, named Chords, will be brought forward by developer Hub. Designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), the scheme will comprise three buildings. It will feature 695 co-living flats and 20 three-bedroom family homes. Alongside the residential units, the development will include essential community infrastructure, most notably a new NHS health centre.

The health hub is set to occupy the lower floors of one of the blocks, addressing the growing demand for local healthcare facilities as the neighbourhood’s population expands. Hub’s managing director, Damien Sharkey, expressed excitement about moving forward with the site, highlighting it as their largest co-living-led approval to date and a significant contribution to both the Elephant Park neighbourhood and the wider co-living sector.

Affordable Housing and Community Spaces

Plans submitted for the final phase include the delivery of 678 co-living homes and affordable housing. Crucially, all affordable housing on this site will be designated for social rent, comprising one, two, and three-bedroom family homes. This commitment ensures that essential housing needs within the community are met.

Landscape architect Gillespies has designed the communal areas, which will include a shared podium courtyard, a dedicated children’s play area, and two rooftop terraces. These elements, along with public realm improvements, aim to enhance the quality of life for residents and integrate the new development seamlessly with the existing Elephant Park.

Wider Elephant and Castle Regeneration

The Elephant Park development is a key component of the broader regeneration of the Elephant and Castle area in the borough of Southwark. This extensive programme encompasses 26 projects, including the creation of a new town centre. Previous phases of Elephant Park, including Trafalgar Place, South Gardens, and West Grove, have already been completed by developer Lendlease. The area now boasts an open park, new shops, restaurants, cafes, and community spaces, with the final phase set to round off this transformative regeneration effort.