Fabrix has secured consent from the London Borough of Southwark for its mixed-use redevelopment project in Elephant & Castle, London, UK.

The scheme will transform a largely derelict 1980s office building into a 283-bed purpose-built student accommodation with community-focused amenities and sustainable features.

The 12,077m² development maintains Fabrix's perfect record in planning approvals.

The consented design adopts a reuse-first approach, dramatically remodelling the existing structure and enhancing the retail frontage.

The project's sustainability credentials are integral, with the design making a 21% structural embodied carbon saving by using the existing building's framework. The all-electric scheme incorporates air-source heat pumps and rooftop photovoltaic (PV) panels, significantly reducing energy demand.

The ground floor of the property will feature community spaces, a courtyard garden, and a pedestrian pathway. A community kitchen, created with Pembroke House, will support local food initiatives while 22 new trees along with blue and green roofs will enhance urban biodiversity.

Fabrix partner Louis Duffield said: “Our redevelopment of 182-202 Walworth Road will add density and activity to a stranded office building that has been a blot on the high street for far too long.

"By bringing life back and identifying a new mix of uses for this redundant asset - and working with our neighbours to create space for them to join us - we’ve been able to put together an ambitious project that will make a positive contribution to the social fabric and economy of Walworth.”

The project has reached this stage with substantial input from the local community and a multidisciplinary team, including Howells, Quod, Elliott Wood, Arup, Harris Bugg Studio, Gardiner & Theobald, and more.

Howells partner Glenn Howells said: “The project provides a unique opportunity to rectify a poor-quality and inactive stretch of this historically important South London high street.

"The new buildings will play a key part in the revitalisation of Walworth Road, energising the site with new uses and high-quality architecture that carefully responds to its civic context and directly engages the community, transforming it from a negative to a nature-positive presence on the high street."