dRMM Architects has unveiled plans to transform the Aylesham Centre in Peckham, aiming to breathe new life into the south London neighbourhood. The project, supported by Berkeley Homes, proposes the construction of over a dozen new buildings on a 2.7-hectare site along Rye Lane, Peckham’s bustling main thoroughfare. This ambitious scheme replaces earlier proposals and is set to feature around 850 new residences, with a mix of heights from five to 20 storeys. A significant portion of these homes, 35%, is earmarked as ‘affordable’, and another 25% as social housing.

In addition to residential spaces, the redevelopment plan includes a new 3,300 square metre Morrisons supermarket and 5,700 square metres of commercial area, alongside 3,300 square metres of public realm enhancements. This initiative not only aims to offer much-needed housing but also to revitalize the commercial and communal aspects of Peckham’s town centre.

Local architectural practices Feix&Merlin and Dowen Farmer Architects are set to contribute designs for the new buildings facing Rye Lane, integrating the project more closely with the community and its surroundings. This collaborative approach underlines a commitment to align the redevelopment with local dynamics and aspirations.

The project has emerged in the wake of significant community feedback, with the Aylesham Community Action group playing a pivotal role in shaping the current direction after rallying against previous overdevelopment concerns. With planning stages progressing, construction for the first phase is anticipated to commence in late 2025, targeting completion between 2027 and 2029. The second phase is slated to start in 2030, concluding the centre’s transformation by 2034. This redevelopment marks a major milestone in Peckham’s ongoing evolution, promising a future that respects both its rich heritage and the needs of its growing population.