Peckham residents optimistic that change of owner and architect could spark improvements to Aylesham Centre vision

Residents and campaigners hope new team of architects working on a crucial £450million town centre plan will change the course of the scheme.

AHMM were axed shortly before submitting a planning application for 940 homes for the site of the Aylesham Centre, on the corner of Peckham High Street and Rye Lane – after two years’ work.

Residents and businesses had said the AHMM plan for a 20-storey tower – as well as five other buildings between eight and 11 storeys – would dwarf the surrounding area.

The site, which includes the existing Aylesham Shopping Centre and Morrisons store and car park, was sold by developer BlackRock last year to Berkeley Group – who have appointed a different firm of architects.

Eileen Conn of Peckham Vision said: “It does seem helpful that they haven’t inherited the thinking from the previous developers.

“We want to ensure people from all the different demographics in Peckham get to know about the redevelopment and become well informed about the details and the issues so they can judge for themselves. Then they can tell the developers and the council how well or not it would meet what Peckham town centre needs in the next 20-30 years.”

Peter Davidson, land and planning director at Berkeley, confirmed the firm had bought the Aylesham Shopping Centre in Peckham from BlackRock and had appointed Sheppard Robson as architect.

He added: “Peckham is a fantastic area with a rich history, and we look forward to working with the community and the London Borough of Southwark to deliver much needed housing, jobs and wider community benefits for local residents and businesses.

“We are in no doubt of the importance of this site to Peckham and its residents.  We will be working closely with the local community, businesses, and key stakeholders to understand how we can bring forward a high-quality development that meets local needs.

“To do this we will be undertaking a comprehensive engagement programme over the coming months and very much look forward to meeting as many people as possible to hear their aspirations for the area.”

Paul Monaghan, executive director at AHMM said: “Over several years our firm worked hard to create a masterplan for the Ayelsham Centre. The design incorporated high quality public realm, a large supermarket and smaller local retail units, a new transport hub for buses and over 800 homes including a high percentage of much needed affordable accommodation.

“We completed the planning application in September 2020 – which had broad support from the planning officers. But it was never submitted because our clients, Tiger and Blackrock, decided to sell the site.

“The new owners, Berkeley Homes, have a tremendous reputation for delivering high quality housing and places to live and play. While we were disappointed not to be included in their new team, we know that their new architects Sheppard Robson have a track record of designing high quality buildings.

“We wish the whole team good luck in the future and hope that this underused site can finally deliver a scheme that Peckham can feel proud of.”

Peckham Vision is organising a two-hour online workshop for residents on from 11am Saturday January 22 to find out more: https://ayleshamworkshop.eventbrite.co.uk