The Elephant and Castle Town Centre is a major £1.5 billion mixed-use regeneration scheme being developed in Southwark, London. Amidst a boom in capital construction projects that includes Foster + Partners’ record-breaking £3 billion skyscraper in Canary Wharf, this transformative initiative spearheaded by Get Living replaces the former shopping centre to create a vibrant new pedestrianized district. It will deliver approximately 1,000 new build-to-rent homes, retail and leisure spaces, and a cutting-edge new campus for UAL’s London College of Communication. Crucially, the development integrates significant transport upgrades, including a spacious new ticket hall for the Northern Line. With the first phase scheduled to open in 2026, it aims to revitalize the historic neighborhood into a thriving cultural hub.
In the heart of London’s Elephant and Castle, a significant transformation is underway as Get Living submits revised plans for the final phase of its £1.5 billion town centre redevelopment. Dubbed the West Site, this third phase aims to replace the old London College of Communication (LCC) buildings with a vibrant mixed-use development. The updated proposals include 507 rental homes, with 165 designated as affordable. Additionally, 452 purpose-built student accommodation beds to meet the growing demand in the area. A new public square is also planned, enhancing community spaces and connectivity.
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Rick de Blaby, CEO of Get Living, emphasized that the revised plans reflect local needs and enhance sustainability credentials. Following community feedback, the development has shifted focus from retail space to providing more homes. Architectural adjustments have been made to better align with the area’s character. A portion of the existing college building is set to be repurposed into a new cultural venue, offering flexible spaces for performances, studios, workshops, and leisure activities.
Project Overview
Location: London, United Kingdom
Total cost: £1.5 billion
Number of rental homes: 507
Developers: Get Living
Details on the Phases of the Elephant and Castle project in London
The West Site is scheduled to commence in early 2028. This will follow LCC’s relocation to its new campus across the road, which is part of the second phase known as The Elephant. Furthermore, this phase is set to open in 2026 and will feature 485 homes. There will also be a diverse mix of restaurants, shops, leisure and cultural facilities, and improved transport infrastructure. In addition, a new underground station and public square.
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Get Living’s commitment to creating vibrant, sustainable communities is evident in its approach to the Elephant and Castle redevelopment. By integrating affordable housing, student accommodation, cultural venues, and public spaces, the project aims to honor the area’s legacy while addressing contemporary urban needs. As long-term stakeholders, Get Living continues to engage with the community to ensure the development benefits all residents and contributes positively to the fabric of South London.
