A design code for the Hatcham and Ilderton Roads area

Southwark Council is producing design guidelines for development in the Hatcham and Ilderton Roads area and wants your help.

These guidelines are part of a Government funded pilot to help test the new National Model Design Code (NMDC).

The council has appointed Farrells, Gbolade Design Studio and Exterior Architecture to lead the pilot which will focus on the area around Hatcham Road and Ilderton Road – known as site allocation OKR 16 in the Old Kent Road Area Action Plan (AAP).

The pilot will build upon the existing master-planning and design guidance contained in the AAP and will focus on issues raised during recent consultation on the AAP and will feed into the next version of the plan.

This will include exploring:

• Design requirements which help to reconcile the mix of industrial and residential uses
• Design requirements and specification for industrial uses
• Providing greater clarity around the character of streets, including:
  • the design and scale of ground floor frontages;
  • the architectural expression of different uses;
  • landscaping and public open space and approaches to servicing which enable the continued occupation of industrial users, while also managing an increasing residential population

This pilot provides an opportunity to demonstrate that good design can’t be based on a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Rather, it must be representative of the diversity, richness and individuality of different neighbourhoods and must be developed in conjunction with local communities rather than imposed upon them.

This belief is reflected in the choice of three, diverse, local firms – Farrells, Gbolade and Exterior – to lead this work, in keeping with the council’s Southwark Stands Together values.

These firms will ensure local residents, businesses, schools, faith groups and other organisations are all involved in preparing the guidance.

This will include a series of workshops to be held at local venues. The first of which will be held at the Penarth Centre on Friday 3 September from 2pm-7pm and Sunday 5 September from 12pm-4pm.

If you would like to take part you can just drop in on the day (no need to book in advance).

We will publish the details of other workshops and opportunities to get involved as they become available.