The London Borough of Southwark has given the go-ahead, to a partnership U+I and Transport for London (TfL), for a mixed-use development that will provide new homes, shops, retail and workspace at an empty site on Southwark Street.

The decision was made at a virtual planning committee and also secures the future of the historic Crossbones Graveyard and Memorial Garden

The plans will transform the site near London Bridge station and Borough Market from an under-utilised space to a local cultural and social hub. It includes 36 new homes, with 50% affordable, and includes 12 new homes available at social rent.

Chris Townend, Head of Property Development at TfL, said: “We are excited to have been given the go-ahead to start delivering our plans in Southwark, which will create a vibrant hub for the community, with buzzing market stalls, cafes, restaurants and workspaces. The plans will deliver new much-needed affordable homes.”

Richard Upton, Chief Development Officer at U+I, said: “These plans represent the final piece of the puzzle on the Southwark Street. This site has been a blot on an otherwise vibrant and successful High Street, but now we can bring forward a development that will stitch the streetscape back together, providing contemporary workspace, homes, shops and restaurants, all set within a carefully considered masterplan that reinstates the medieval lanes and yards of Southwark.”

A range of public realm improvements, including new pedestrian routes, will be delivered and the reinstatement of some of the medieval yards and lanes of historic Southwark. These lanes will be lined with shops, cafés, restaurants and market stalls to bring activity during the day and evening. Smaller retail units are also included and a new community garden and play space as well as more new cycle spaces.