Southwark Council Planning Committee has approved the amended plans for The Liberty of Southwark.

The new office-led development by Landsec and Places for London will meet the high demand for best-in-class workplaces and cultural experiences in London’s Bankside. 

The improved plans from 2021 ensure the one-of-a-kind Roman mausoleum and mosaics found on the site in the last two years are respectfully uncovered and embedded into the development. The amendments also address updated building regulations, including integrating a second staircase and lift lobby. The revised plans include a cycle hub and a rooftop terrace. 

Designed by Allies and Morrison, The Liberty of Southwark will be a new 190,000 sq ft net zero office building, including an affordable workspace. The building is targeting the highest level of sustainability and wellness credentials, including BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Platinum.

At the centre of the new place will be a community hub housing some of the rare Roman artefacts found at The Liberty of Southwark site, including the most intact Roman mausoleum to ever be discovered in Britain. The space will be accessible to the public, including schools, community groups and tourists, to enjoy and learn about Southwark’s history. 

Marcus Geddes, Managing Director - Workplace at Landsec commented: “This latest planning consent will enable us to bring new life to what’s been a largely underutilised site, while enhancing our pipeline of sustainable, well-connected workplaces in the vibrant community of Bankside. 

“The addition of a community space to celebrate the site’s incredible history will create a new place to work and spend time, attracting people from near and far, boosting activity for local businesses and creating more value for London’s economy.” 

Victoria Shin, Senior Property Development Manager at Places for London, added: “It’s fantastic that we’ve been given the go-ahead to progress our revised scheme in Southwark, which can now fully embrace and demonstrate the area’s rich history. Not only will the development incorporate the Roman mausoleum and mosaics, it will bring forward new commercial space and homes – creating a vibrant hub for the local community.” 

The plans will restore the heritage building, 15 Southwark Street, to its original use with retail on the ground floor and commercial workspace above. The approved plans also deliver 34 new homes, 50 per cent of which will be affordable housing. 

Landsec will now start seeking a main contractor to deliver The Liberty of Southwark to commence work later this year.

CBRE and Knight Frank are leasing agents for Landsec on the development.