Under the Bridge

Under the Bridge is a new public art project that’s about to take shape beneath the railway bridge on Old Kent Road.

Due to launch in the spring, the project will transform part of the tunnel underneath the bridge into a “gallery” for a rotating exhibition of local art.

Initially envisaged to run for between six months and a year, this interim project is a prelude to a much bigger, long-term scheme to improve the bridge and the surrounding area. The will entail a much needed clean-up and makeover, including new lighting, repainting and a large-scale, permanent artwork to be installed on the bridge itself.

These projects are just two of a number of local schemes being supported by the Future High Streets Fund.

The bridge, which is located next to Brimmington Park, marks the point at which New Cross Road becomes Old Kent Road and sits on the boundary between Southwark and Lewisham. As such, it forms a gateway into Southwark and Old Kent Road – something that will be reflected in both art projects.

There will be many opportunities to get involved in both the interim and the permanent art projects at the bridge.

Over the coming months, the local community will be invited to share their ideas, get creative and contribute their own work to the exhibition.

Local artists, makers and creatives are welcome to get involved. However, the council particularly wants people who have no background in the arts; who rarely have a platform to express themselves and who have a stake in the future of Old Kent Road to contribute.

The council will be reaching out to residents on local estates, local schools, businesses and organisations to spread the word.

In 2021, Southwark secured almost £10m in Future High Streets funding for a range of projects throughout the Old Kent Road area, including improvements to the bridge.

The council hopes that this small, interim Under the Bridge art project will act as a gateway for local people to get involved in the permanent improvements to the bridge, as well as other major projects in Old Kent Road and the regeneration of the area as a whole.

To find out more or to express your interest in the project, contact Quyen.Phan@Southwark.gov.uk