With a population expected to hit 11 million by 2039 — compared to 8.5 million today — the city of London is facing a historic demographic surge, putting a strong pressure on the city's housing market. As a result, many under-performing sites across the city have been designated as opportunity areas in an initiative aiming to redevelop sections of the British capital with high density, mixed-used projects. The Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea Opportunity Area, situated along the River Thames in South London and comprising the iconic Battersea Power Station, is currently undergoing a total transformation that will eventually bring 20,000 new homes and 25,000 new jobs to the area. 

Aerial view of Vauxhall Square, image via Allies and Morrison

On a 1.5-hectare lot bounded by Wandsworth Road, Parry Street, Bondway, and the Network Rail line, the City of London has recently approved a seven-building complex as part of the aforementioned urban renewal scheme. Presently occupied by several derelict commercial properties, storage space, a homeless shelter, and surface parking lots, the property is set to be transformed into Vauxhall Square, a project developed by CLS Holdings plc. Composed of 578 residences of which approximately 20% will be affordable housing, the project also includes a new 50-bed homeless hostel, a 186-bed hotel, 454 student rooms, 32,820 square metres of office space, 3,119 square metres dedicated to retail uses, a movie theatre, and a gym.

New developments and heritage buildings at Vauxhall Square, image via Allies and Morrison

Designed by architects Allies and Morrison, the Vauxhall Square development will eventually boast two 168-metre, 49-storey residential towers and a series of shorter buildings rising 87, 69, 53, 39, and 37 metres above ground. Materials like brick, limestone, precast concrete, and glass combined with simple, straight lines will give the edifices a bold look, combining traditional British building materials with the contemporary architectural style. The preservation of an existing row of six Georgian houses will also retain some of the site's heritage. 

Vauxhall Square will enhance pedestrian and cycling connectivity, image via Allies and Morrison

At ground level, more than 50% of the space will be dedicated to public realm, aided by the creation of a new large landscaped plaza at the centre of the complex as well as mid-block pedestrian and cycle connections. This results from the desire to add much needed green spaces throughout the regeneration area, notably with the creation of a linear park along the river Thames. Construction is expected to start this year, with the first buildings delivered some time around 2020. 

Vauxhall Square includes two 168-metre residential skyscrapers, image via Allies and Morrison

For more information on the project check out our Database file, linked below, where you'll find renderings and further links to past articles. You can join in on the discussion in the associated Forum threads, or in the comment section below.