Empire Square

Berkeley Homes purchased the brownfield site with planning permission for a 277 dwelling gated development and no open space, but provided instead a development with twice the residential units, including 49 key worker apartments part-funded by English Partnerships, plus a new public garden space.

The designers desired a crisp contemporary design contrasting with previous uses, and took inspiration from Tuscan small towns.

Plans were exhibited to local residents who favoured raising the quality of the area, especially as the scheme replaced derelict warehouses. They also welcomed its proposed supermarket but had concerns about the impact of the tower. The present 22 storey tower, surmounted by a barometer-controlled beacon, is a compromise from the original proposed 26 storeys supported by CABE and the GLA. This was rejected by Southwark which wanted only 14 storeys, although it is generally agreed that the present tower has not created problems locally.

A year-long archaeological investigation started in 2002 found several antiquities, including a Roman stone tablet inscribed with the first written example of 'Londinium', now replicated in the central space’s paving. Planning permission was granted in September 2001 and demolition started in spring 2003 with construction beginning later that year. The scheme was completed in spring 2007.