Bricklayers Arms report

A feasibility study on options to improve The Bricklayers Arms Gyratory has been published by Southwark Council.

Southwark council wants to improve the Bricklayers Arms Gyratory and the surrounding area.

The Bricklayers Arms Gyratory is the large roundabout at the top of Old Kent Road. The council is exploring the potential to reconfigure and improve this piece of transport infrastructure and create more land for housing.

It also wants to repair an historic stretch of high street and “stitch” the site back into its surrounding neighbourhoods; create high quality public realm; improve accessibility and movement and green space.

Last year, the council commissioned a feasibility study, led by Cullinan Studio, Native Studio, and Turkington Martin, to re-imagine the future of Bricklayers. Extensive community engagement was undertaken through two consultation sessions and the Community Review Panel.

In summary

The study found there was strong local demand for affordable and social housing and a preference for high-street-style, low-rise buildings inline with the existing character of the area (although denser, taller buildings may be acceptable if they contribute to communal spaces). The community also wants more affordable workspaces, studios and creative spaces.

There is also overwhelming support for transforming the flyover into a green, beautiful elevated park with potential for cultural events and activities (drawing inspiration from precedents like New York’s High Line).

In terms of accessibility and traffic management, the report found local people put great emphasis on creating clear, direct and safe pedestrian and cycling routes – including protected cycle lanes.

The next steps include collaboration with Transport for London on traffic impacts, viability assessments, further design development, identification of “quick wins” (such as advance planting and subway improvements) and research into funding streams.

The development of the Bricklayers Arms is expected to fall within Phase 2 of the Bakerloo Line Extension housing delivery plan, scheduled for completion between 2030 and 2042.

Download the full report (PDF)