Southwark Tube station to close for nine weekends from Saturday
Southwark Tube Station will close for nine weekends from Saturday, in preparation for redevelopment.
The first closure is planned across this coming weekend, with more closures every month until April 2025.
The Southwark Over Station Development (OSD), led by developer Helical, will see a 17-storey student accommodation built atop the station, with 40 affordable homes adjacent to the station.
Subject to receiving planning permission from Southwark council, main construction works are expected to start next year.
Internal works within the station are needed in preparation for the development and for operational reasons, including rationalising electrical equipment within the station and fire separation of different parts of the station.
It is not possible for customers to safely use the station while these works are ongoing.
Three years ago Southwark councillors approved Transport for London’s (TfL) plans for a 17-storey office block to be developed by Helical.
But earlier this summer, TfL revealed that Helical suggested the office scheme be scrapped in favour of a development of student accommodation, with 429 bedrooms.
Helical’s plans for affordable housing surrounding the station would replace Southwark council’s previous proposal to develop 25 homes adjacent to the OSD site.
News of the change was revealed in a report by Graeme Craig, chief executive of Transport for London’s (TfL) Places for London subsidiary.
In a report to the land and property committee of the TfL board, Mr Craig said: “Based on its remit to maximise both shareholder and social value, Helical, as appointed development manager together with the consultant team, has reviewed the development options.
“The delivery of affordable housing will help to alleviate pressure on housing in London through creation of additional homes and diverting demand for student accommodation away from private housing.”
Pictured top: Southwark Tube station (Picture: Google Street View)