We are appointed as part of a collaborative team of architects to design the redevelopment of Peckham’s Aylesham Centre. Our role involves leading the design of two buildings, extensive community engagement and assisting lead Architects dRMM with the development of the overarching masterplan.

A key aspiration for the masterplan was the careful calibration of the ground floor, ensuring new routes and spaces created meaningful links to wider Peckham. Beyond this, we sought to ensure new retail spaces would make a positive contribution to the High Street’s distinct and vibrant character. We undertook a robust analysis of the existing retail offer to help create a brief for new commercial spaces within the masterplan,ensuring the development could work within Peckham’s existing eco-system.

As the lead architects on a mixed-use block fronting Rye Lane, we are in the process of translating this research into a coherent architectural proposition. Working closely with Dowen Farmer Architects and Feix&Merlin Architects, our emerging proposals take inspiration from the Jones and Higgins department store – a handsome Victorian building that once occupied the site. Our block will provide 100% dual aspect socially rented homes with outlook onto Aylesham Gardens – a new green space at the heart of the masterplan.

Elsewhere in the scheme, we are designing a building sited at a key junction of the masterplan, connecting an active retail corridor with Aylesham Gardens. The site presented as series of technical challenges including overlooking, daylight sunlight provision and overheating that all needed to be resolved.

The site’s proximity to the eclectic mix of uses on Rye Lane led us to establish an active ground floor with a variety of uses to animate the public realm, prioritising Aylesham Gardens to the south. Working closely with dRMM, we developed a shared language of how new buildings might constitute a modern interpretation of the ‘mansion block’ typology. Referencing Peckham's eclectic character, we looked to employ a vibrant colour palette on metal balcony and window details.

Our work has been developed through extensive community engagement. A community group comprising local businesses, charity groups, residents, and elected members was established to provide ongoing feedback monthly. Our proposals are due to be submitted for planning in 2024.