EMERGING LONDON 2018

PECKHAM SE15 Peckham, home to the UK’s only sake (Japanese rice wine) distillery, is fast shaking off its Only Fools and Horses image. Many parts of London offer roof-top terraces, but seasonal summer-only Frank’s bar on the top level of a multi-storey car park has become one of the hippest places to be seen in the capital. In fact, the car park is becoming something of a defining theme in Peckham, where Carl Turner Architects (the guiding light behind POP Brixton (see pages 32-33)) has teamed up with social enterprise Make Shift to transform underused levels of the multi-storey into community-led commercial and leisure space, including art studios, pop-up stores and galleries. Originally devised as a temporary measure, the surprise success of Peckham Levels means demolition of the car park has been put on hold. Other redevelopment plans are alive and well nearby, with work recently started on Southwark council’s upgrade for the area around Peckham Rye station, which will include new public realm and commercial units. Also expected in 2018 are definitive proposals for Tiger Development’s regeneration of the Aylesham Centre shopping complex on Rye Lane, which could include 400 new homes, as well as new retail, leisure and commercial space. KEY STATISTICS C&W Evolutionary Status: FLOURISHING C&W Location Ranking: 45 TfL travel zone: 2 Local authority: Southwark Distance from central London: 3 miles south east Population: 322,000 (©GLA borough population projections 2018) How would you describe what is happening in Peckham? Peckham is an area filled with a wealth of talent, from different demographics, races and ages, and demonstrates where multiculturalism is working well. The style of regeneration here reflects that, with strong local organisations like Peckham Vision, meaning that local people can have a voice. There is definitely a DIY culture here. Which five words best describe Peckham? 1. Vibrant 2. Enterprising 3. Creative 4. Multicultural 5. Plentiful What are people who haven’t been to Peckham missing? A great and welcoming community, where money invested benefits the local area. Peckham Levels. Peckham Plex. Peckham Springs. South London Gallery. The Prince of Peckham (community pub). Ivy House (co-operatively owned pub). Apart from Peckham, what is your favourite part of London and why? Brockley – a little bit of suburbia in Zone 2. What is the most exciting change you see in London over the next five years? I hope that it continues to be a place that celebrates all people regardless of age, race, class or religion. I hope it will encourage enterprise with social responsibility. And I hope it will be a place where young people have opportunities. Do you have a personal ‘hidden London’ location you’d like to share? Zionly Manna Vegan Rastarant – and I’m not even vegan! Best location in London to shop for quirky gifts? Copeland Park on a sale weekend. Best location in London to eat? The Coal Rooms, Peckham. Best location in London for a night out with friends? Peckham Levels. Best location in London for visiting with family/relatives? Through central London on a red bus. What is your favoured form of transport around the capital? I cycle (on a custom-made hybrid) and walk. Part of London you’d like to explore more and why? West London – I’m pretty well travelled around the rest of London, but if I had more time I’d go here more often. Kwabena Amponsa COMMUNITY MANAGER PECKHAM LEVELS The Coal Rooms Brick Brewery MY LONDON Spotlight on 29 SPOTLIGHT ON PECKHAM 28 CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD  | EMERGING LONDON