A significant new development featuring three major skyscrapers, including one of Britain’s tallest residential buildings, has been approved for south London. The ambitious £2 billion project in Vauxhall Square, Lambeth, will transform a currently undeveloped site into a vibrant mixed-use area comprising seven buildings. The approval by Lambeth Council’s Planning Applications Committee marks a major step forward for the scheme, which aims to deliver a substantial number of new homes, commercial spaces, and amenities.
Vauxhall Square Development Overview
The Vauxhall Square development is set to become a landmark destination, with its most striking features being the three new skyscrapers. The tallest of these will be a 69-storey tower, reaching a height of 230.5 meters. This building alone will house 500 residential units, positioning it as the second-tallest residential building in the UK, surpassed only by Canary Wharf’s Landmark Pinnacle (233 meters). Overall, the development is projected to be the fifth tallest building in Britain.
Beyond the residential focus of the tallest tower, the wider development encompasses a comprehensive mix of uses designed to create a self-sustaining community. The approved plans include:
- Residential Units: A total of 1,097 new homes will be built.
- Co-living Spaces: 1,164 co-living units are planned, offering a modern approach to shared accommodation.
- Student Accommodation: Dedicated facilities for 699 students will be provided in a separate 45-storey tower.
- Hotel: A 250-room hotel is incorporated into the design.
- Commercial Spaces: Offices and retail units will be spread across various buildings.
- Leisure Facilities: A cinema, a public gym, and a swimming pool are included in the amenities.
- Public Realm: The development will feature play areas, cycle parking, and new pedestrian routes, enhancing the public experience of the area.
Affordable Housing Component
A key aspect of the development is its commitment to providing affordable housing. Of the 1,097 new homes, a quarter are designated as ‘affordable’. This includes 122 homes available on social rent and 120 homes offered at a discount market rent. This provision aims to address local housing needs within the broader regeneration project.
Addressing Concerns and Objections
The approval process was not without its challenges. The Lambeth Council’s Planning Applications Committee voted narrowly to approve the scheme, with four votes in favour and three against. Official planning documents reveal that the council received 32 objections from various stakeholders. Notably, Historic England raised concerns, suggesting the development’s significant height would cause ‘incremental harm’ to protected London views. In their submission, Historic England stated that while the proposed towers possess high architectural quality, their imposing visual presence could create ‘visual competition’ with significant landmarks like the Palace of Westminster.
However, Lambeth Council’s planning officers reviewed these concerns and concluded that the proposals would not adversely affect heritage assets or protected views. Their assessment supported the development proceeding as planned.
Development Partners and Timeline
The £2 billion Vauxhall Square development is a collaborative effort by firms Bmor, Cedarstone Capital Partners, and Cheyne Capital. The project is structured to be delivered in phases, with construction anticipated to commence in January 2027. The phased approach suggests a gradual build-out, allowing for the integration of different components over time.
The development also includes a 61-storey tower featuring 355 build-to-rent homes, and another tower dedicated to 1,164 co-living units, complete with a co-working space and retail outlets. A 17-storey building will house the hotel and additional office and retail spaces, linked by a two-storey structure containing the cinema and retail areas, topped with a rooftop play area.
Community Impact and Future Outlook
The Vauxhall Square project represents a significant investment in south London, promising to reshape the urban landscape and provide a wide array of housing, employment, and leisure opportunities. While concerns regarding height and visual impact were raised, the council’s approval signifies a belief in the project’s potential benefits. The inclusion of public amenities like a gym, swimming pool, and enhanced pedestrian routes suggests an intention to integrate the development positively within the wider community.
The scheme faced opposition not only over its scale but also regarding its environmental impact and the specifics of its affordable housing provisions. Despite these objections, the project moves forward, poised to become a major new hub in London, offering modern living and working environments alongside extensive public facilities.
