A computer-generated mock-up of how arches may look after refurbishment
(Picture: Arch Company)Five abandoned railway arches in south London are set to be transformed and rented out under a £1.1m plan.
The arches in Camberwell Station Road have been vacant for over five years and are unlettable, said The Arch Company.
Arches 344-348 will be stripped out and relined and connected to water and electric to make them fit for businesses.
The work is being supported by Southwark Council who are planning to invest £1.5m in improving the public realm in the area from later this year.
This will include better lighting, more trees and street furniture, and widening the street.
Craig McWilliam, CEO of the Arch Company, said: “We look forward to creating five additional productive spaces in the heart of Camberwell, which will in turn support up to 25 new jobs for the area.”
Work on the sites are underway and are predicted to be completed later this spring.
Further spaces on Camberwell Station Road, including the former station building, are also being considered for future retrofit plans.
Cllr James McAsh, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency & Sustainable Development, said: “We very much welcome The Arch Company bringing these five empty arches back into use for small businesses to call home.
“Together with the £1.5m we secured to improve the public space, their investment and the local community’s input is helping us to completely transform the street.”
The Arch Company took on ownership of the Camberwell Station Road arches in 2019, after purchasing 5,200 spaces from Network Rail.
It said at the point of sale, 1,400 spaces were left vacant, requiring significant investment and development before they would be suitable for occupation.
