Reinventing Elephant and Castle Area
Peepin' at the Pachyderm: Rick de Blaby Spills the Beans on Elephant & Castle's Remodel
Steeped in history and bustling culture, Elephant & Castle has been a South London landmark since 1765, famously dubbed "The Piccadilly Circus of South London" in the early 20th century. Known for its lively vibrancy, charismatic residents like Charlie Chaplin and Michael Caine, and some pop culture nods—courtesy of Virginia Woolf, Dexys Midnight Runners, and even the Bard himself—this area has been a cornerstone of London's rich tapestry.
Now, the spotlight falls on Elephant & Castle as it's primed for rejuvenation. According to Rick de Blaby, CEO of Get Living, the iconic location will see a new lease of life through a multi-phase remodel, set to unfold over the next few years.
The Big Kahuna: Phase One (Completed in 2017)
The first stage of Elephant & Castle's transformation marked the birth of Elephant Central, which welcomed 374 rental homes, 278 student bedrooms, and over 65,000 sq ft of commercial space. This space includes everything from a supermarket and gym to a nursery, nurturing the community's well-being.
Elephant Re-imagined (Launching in 2026)
Fast forward to 2026, and the scene is set for Elephant & Castle's rebirth with Phase Two. This phase brings a whopping 485 new homes, 172 of which will be designated affordable. The transformation isn't merely residential, though—with 55 new shops, restaurants, and bars, 55,000 sq ft of workspace, and a cherry on top, a new cinema, the entire community will have a bevy of options to keep life colorful.
Looking for higher education? Look no further, as this phase will also welcome a new university campus, further bolstering the area's educational offerings. To ensure a connection to the past, the charming Elephant statue that once adorned the old shopping center will greet visitors as they traverse the revamped neighborhood.
The West End's Got Nothin' on Elephant (Final Phase, Available for Development in 2028)
Anticipation builds for Phase Three, which will see 507 new homes rise, including 165 affordable units, and addressing the ever-growing demand for student housing, 452 student bedrooms will be added. A cultural venue of epic proportions, spread across five floors, is planned for this phase, giving birth to a new arena for nurturing local artistic talent and offering spaces for performances, arts, and community activities.
Art in the Heart of Elephant (Post-2027)
In 2027, a historic goldmine will welcome the public, as the University of the Arts London Archives and Special Collections Centre will open its doors, preserving and promoting the rich history of the creative arts. Musings of pub and club closures plague the airwaves, but fear not: this development aims to strengthen and cement London's essential nightlife.
Corsica Studios, an Elephant institution, will also be protected and revamped, creating a cultural haven that will continue to captivate the local community and visitors alike. In the final phase of Elephant & Castle's town center transformation, a portion of the existing London College of Communication building will be repurposed into this cultural epicenter.
As the world chart a new course, it's essential not to lose sight of the importance of housing and infrastructure development. But in an area with such profound cultural, social, and economic history, it's not merely about building; it's about honoring and preserving that precious heritage and bringing it to life, preserving the real spirit of Elephant.
We eagerly await welcoming Londoners and visitors alike to Elephant & Castle in 2026, where new beginnings mingle with cherished memories, crafting a captivating cocktail that's uniquely Elephant.
- The new Elephant & Castle development, scheduled for completion in 2026, will not only offer 485 new homes and 55 shops, restaurants, and bars but also a workspace of 55,000 sq ft, highlighting the importance of home-and-garden and lifestyle facilities.
- In the final phase of Elephant & Castle's transformation, a cultural venue, spread across five floors, will be developed, emphasizing the significance of arts and community activities in the local economy and lifestyle.
- Despite the focus on new developments, the remodel of Elephant & Castle aims to preserve its rich history, as evidenced by the plans to restore the iconic Elephant statue and repurpose a portion of the London College of Communication building.
- As London's Elephant & Castle embarks on a major remodel, it serves as an example of the importance of a balanced approach to urban redevelopment: balancing modern infrastructure with the preservation of cultural heritage and vibrant community.
