The Works Are Nearing Completion
After nearly six months on site Warwick Landscaping and their team of subcontractors have ploughed ahead through all weathers and unforeseen setbacks to the point of near completion of the regeneration works to Market Place. Hayatsu Architects and their team have produced a quality design that not only improves Market Place but also creates better awareness and connections from surrounding areas to increase the footfall to the Blue.
The new covered market pitches and clock tower are in place and the roofing is being fitted. The structures are made from traditional green oak and are attracting positives comments from all.
The clock tower is a tribute to the one that once stood on the Biscuit Factory. The roofing is made of tin can lids as a nod to the world’s first commercial tin canning factory which was located in Southwark Park Rd, where Harris Academy is located.
The buildings in market place have be repainted and improved lighting has been installed throughout. The new planting and seating at the ‘village green’ is in place with the brick mosaic which displays the motto from the Bermondsey coat of arms ‘Prosunt Gentibus Artes’ which translated from the Latin means Arts profits people. Subtle historical references that acknowledge the Blue’s heritage are woven throughout the works.
Dotted amongst the paving slabs you will find brass plaques with little snippets of local history. This extends to the outer areas of Market Place with new graphics on refitted barrow storage shed shutters highlighting historic ‘firsts’ in SE16. There is bespoke gating at market entrances and an eye catching giant logo on top of the lift shaft. A new community mural will be painted on the wall in the car park at Drappers Way, by acclaimed mural artist Paul Butler.
Without doubt the Market Place will be a unique and inviting community space that will not only be home to the market stalls but a hub for a variety of activities to develope in the future. Over the coming months Southwark markets team will be working with the community partners Big Local Works and Blue Bermondsey BID to bring a variety of new traders onto the market.
The Shopfront improvements, new pedestrian crossing / greening to Blue Anchor Lane and the new pedestrian route into Market Place are still ongoing and expected to be completed in September 2021.
Big thanks to all stall holders, businesses and residents in Market Place for their patience and support during the upheaval and noise during the works.
