Southwark Council is set to improve the public realm on Rockingham Street and Arch Street, thanks to the release of £118,394.60 from Section 106 agreements. These improvements will focus on enhancing the pathway for both pedestrians and vehicles, as well as installing new streetlights to improve safety day and night.

The funds, originating from planning obligations tied to the Eileen House development at 80-94 Newington Causeway, will be used to enhance the pedestrian and vehicular experience, as well as install new streetlights to improve safety. The project aligns with the council's Streets for People Strategy 2030 and Southwark Plan 2022 policies, aiming to create safer, greener, and more accessible streets. Consultation with the local community will be undertaken as part of the design development process, to ensure the improvements reflect local preferences.

The works are comprehensive, and the total amount needed is anticipated to be circa £400,000 - £500,000. Securing these funds is necessary to begin to build the total funding envelope, the remainder of which will be sought from local CIL and other grant sources.

Rockingham Street and Arch Street are located within the Chaucer ward and are frequently used pedestrian routes for residents and visitors to access Elephant Castle National Rail Station, Elephant Park, and the Latin American community within the arches. The current conditions of the roads are poor, with several potholes, making them unsafe.

The project is part of a wider strategy aimed at enhancing the local vicinity, including refurbishing the arches and revitalising Latin American and African businesses. The route will provide direct access into the new Elephant and Castle town centre upon its opening in 2026, anticipating increased footfall.

The Planning Committee (Major Applications) A approved the release of the funds at its meeting on Wednesday 02 July 2025. The Public reports pack stated that the project aligns with the pledges and objectives set out in The Streets for People Strategy 2030:

  • Pledge: 'Your street will have improvements to make it leaner, greener, and safer, chosen by you'—if the road is not managed by us (Arch Street), we will work with the respective landowners to deliver this pledge.
  • Objective 2: Create good quality space that is accessible for all people.
  • Objective 4: Improve safety and security for everyone using our streets.
  • Objective 5: Making walking, cycling and wheeling easier.
  • Objective 8: Increase footfall and dwelling time in town centres by making them a nice place to be and easy to get to.

As Arch Street is not managed by the council, Southwark will work with the respective landowners to deliver the pledge of improvements, in line with the Streets for People Strategy 2030.