We are excited to report that the Mayor of London announced on 23 November 2011 that he is teaming up with Southwark Council to fund the restoration of Peckham Rye Station to recreate the open square in front, and to rehabilitate the rear of the station and arches to create a town centre commercial area. The funding will come from the Mayor’s Regeneration Fund for areas damaged by the August public disorder, and also from Council match funding.
The station was designed by the renowned Victorian architect Charles Henry Driver who also designed Battersea Park and Denmark Hill stations. All these superb buildings are now listed, with Denmark Hill beautifully restored some years ago, and Battersea well on the way to being restored. Now Peckham Rye can join them.
The historic 19th century photograph shows the original open square in front of the station. This magnificent building has been hidden by poor buildings in front since the first half of the 20th century. Now all the hard work of the local community over the last ten years has paid off, and the station can become a fantastic gateway to a revitalized Peckham town centre. It is great that Southwark Council has listened to the long local campaigns, led by Peckham Vision and the Peckham Society working jointly. We look forward to the Council working closely with us to realise the full potential of our station and our town centre. For more details of our community restoration work visit: www.peckhamvision.org/wiki/Peckham_Rye_Station
Eileen Conn, Co-ordinator, Peckham Vision
