Borough High Street block of flats could be bulldozed

By Robert Firth, Local Democracy Reporter

An ‘outdated’ 1960s block in a popular high street could be bulldozed for eight-storey offices with terraces. 

Alpha House in Borough High Street would be flattened, except for the basement and foundations, and replaced with a new office building with shops on the ground floor under plans submitted to Southwark council.

The six-storey building, minutes from Borough Tube station, was constructed in the late 1960s as a warehouse, but later converted to offices. 

It is described as an ‘imposing modernist building’ which is a ‘perfect work base for entrepreneurs’ in an advert online.

But documents submitted to the council in support of the redevelopment say the 50-year-old block is ‘outdated’, ‘of low design and construction quality’ and ‘disliked’ by people in the area.

The documents go on to argue that redeveloping the block would improve the look of the high street and help meet the need for modern workspace in the area.

“The vision is for a new office building that enhances the immediate setting whilst capturing the character and energy of Union Street in order to appeal to smaller businesses seeking opportunities to establish and expand in Southwark,” the papers said.

Southwark council will make a decision on the application brought by Citylake Investments Ltd at a later date.

Pictured top: Alpha House as it looks now (Picture: Southwark council)