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Landsec and Places for London secure planning consent for Bankside office-led development with unique Roman history

31 January 2024

Landsec and Places for London secure planning consent for Bankside office-led development with unique Roman history Landsec and Places for London have secured planning consent from the Southwark Council Planning Committee for The Liberty of Southwark, an office-led development that will meet the high demand for best-in-class workplaces and cultural experiences in London’s Bankside. 

The planning consent is for amendments to plans first approved in 2021. Plans were amended to ensure the one-of-a-kind Roman mausoleum and mosaics found on the site in the last two years could be respectfully uncovered and embedded into the future place. The amendments also address updated building regulations, including the integration of a second staircase and lift lobby. 

Located a stone’s throw from London Bridge station and Borough Market, The Liberty of Southwark will provide a new 190,000 sq ft net zero office building, including affordable workspace. With sustainable and healthy workplaces a must-have for businesses across the capital, Landsec and Places for London are targeting the highest level of sustainability and wellness credentials, including BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Platinum. The revised plans include a cycle hub to support people living and working in the Bankside area that are increasingly choosing more sustainable transport options. Every employee within the workspace will benefit from access to outside space thanks to a rooftop terrace. 

At the heart of this new place will be a community hub housing some of the rare Roman finds unearthed at The Liberty of Southwark site, including the most intact Roman mausoleum to ever be discovered in Britain. The space will be accessible to the public, including schools, community groups and tourists, to enjoy and learn about Southwark’s history. 

Marcus Geddes, Managing Director - Workplace at Landsec said: “This latest planning consent will enable us to bring new life to what’s been a largely underutilised site, while enhancing our pipeline of sustainable, well-connected workplaces in the vibrant community of Bankside. 

“The addition of a community space to celebrate the site’s incredible history will create a new place to work and spend time, attracting people from near and far, boosting activity for local businesses and creating more value for London’s economy.” 

Victoria Shin, Senior Property Development Manager at Places for London, said: “It’s fantastic that we’ve been given the go-ahead to progress our revised scheme in Southwark, which can now fully embrace and demonstrate the area’s rich history. Not only will the development incorporate the Roman mausoleum and mosaics, it will bring forward new commercial space and homes – creating a vibrant hub for the local community.” 

The plans will restore heritage building, 15 Southwark Street, to its original use with retail on the ground floor and commercial workspace above. The approved plans also deliver 34 new homes, 50 per cent of which will be affordable housing, helping to address the shortage that exists in Southwark today. 

The Liberty of Southwark adds to Landsec’s green cluster of sustainable workplaces including Red Lion Court and Timber Square, and its first net zero carbon workplace, The Forge, which launched last year and includes Landsec’s flexible and managed workspace, Myo. 

Landsec will begin seeking a main contractor to deliver The Liberty of Southwark and is looking to start construction later this year. The Liberty of Southwark is designed by Allies and Morrison. CBRE and Knight Frank are leasing agents for Landsec on the development. 

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