Southwark Council's Planning Committee has granted approval for the refurbishment of Pickfords Wharf, a decision that will see the locally listed building on Clink Street undergo significant upgrades, including a rooftop extension and a new café.
The committee reviewed an application for the refurbishment of Pickfords Wharf, which included a single-storey roof extension, a rooftop terrace, alterations to the facade, a new café/retail unit at ground floor, and improvements to cycle access, end-of-journey facilities, and waste storage. The refurbishment will also include internal office improvements, a new fire-fighting core, and upgraded lifts, including a new bike/goods lift serving the basement and ground floor.
Objectors had raised concerns about potential noise and disturbance from the roof terrace, transport and servicing impacts on the constrained Clink Street, heritage impacts on the locally listed building and conservation area, and daylight and sunlight to neighbouring properties. To address these concerns, specific conditions have been imposed.
However, the committee heard that the roof extension had been significantly reduced in scale and pulled away from the edges to minimise visual impact. The rooftop extension is described as a single-storey pavilion made of lightweight materials including extensive glazing and PPC metal cladding. Ancillary elements like the plant enclosure and escape stair are softened through chamfered forms, curved corners, planting, and screening. The facade alterations include the replacement of all existing windows with new aluminium-framed sash windows, with new opening windows proposed at fifth-floor level. These changes are considered to enhance the building's appearance and preserve the character of the conservation area.
Conditions were recommended to restrict the hours of use for the roof terrace and café. The roof terrace will be restricted to 08:00 to 20:00 Monday to Friday, with no use permitted on weekends or public holidays. The café will be open from 07:00 to 22:00 Monday to Saturday, and 09:00 to 21:00 on Sundays and bank holidays, with no external seating permitted.
To manage noise and disturbance, an Operational Management Plan and an acoustic plan will be implemented. The Operational Management Plan will cover management, occupancy levels, noise control procedures, complaint response, signage, smoking management, security, staff training, and operator contact details. The acoustic plan will ensure that plant noise remains below existing background levels, with post-installation validation testing. A Supplementary Acoustic Planning Report will detail measures for lift shafts, pipework, and internal acoustic linings. Furthermore, a Service Management Plan will control deliveries and collections, restricted to specific hours.
Improvements to cycle access and end-of-journey facilities are also part of the refurbishment. Enhanced long-stay cycle parking will be provided in the basement, accessed via a new bike/goods lift. Upgraded shower and WC facilities will also be available at basement level, encouraging sustainable travel for users.
The committee voted to grant planning permission, subject to conditions, marking a positive step for the enhancement of this historic riverside building. The proposal is considered to have a negligible impact on strategic views and no harm has been identified to nearby heritage assets.
Further details on the planning application can be found in the Public reports pack.