Hidden behind tall walls, the Park Street Estates was built on the site of the former Anchor Brewery and on top of a network of vaults. While not much is left of the Anchor Brewery the former social club in the vaults along Southwark Bridge Road still exists. Currently derelict, these vaults will be refurbished to once again become a place for socializing and for cultural and educational programmes that connect the Park Street Estate to the museums and theatres along the river and in the Bankside area. Walls that currently separate the Park Street Estate and Gatehouse Square from Southwark Bridge Road will be broken down and replaced by a ramp creating a new entrance to the Anchor Vaults Social Club and the estate, and a more convenient link for pedestrians and cyclists between Tate Modern and Borough market. A small office overlooking the estate and the Southwark Bridge Road will accommodate the newly formed Tenant and Management Organisation of the estate.

What we'll deliver:

• • Engagement event with residents to explore the history of the site and to develop an estate wide improvement plan.
• • Feasibility study for the Anchor Vaults Social Club refurbishment and the new ramped estate entrance.

Why it's a great idea:

The former Anchor Vaults Social Club refurbishment and new entrances create access to a hidden historical gem on the Park Street Estate. Glazed tiles still left in the vaults take visitors back to a period when the site was used as a brewery, creating an atmospheric environment for a new cultural and educational programme. The proposed use includes a flexible central space with a café linked to smaller rehearsal rooms and a computer suit. Stairs and a lift connect the Anchor Vaults to Gatehouse Square, a tranquil currently underused urban square. The new ramped entrance from Southwark Bridge Road will tie the Park Street Estate and Gatehouse Square into the Bankside neibhourhood creating much needed access for prams, wheelchairs and bicyles. A small office for the newly formed Park Street Estate Tenant Managment Organisation will be integrated with the new entrance from Southwark Bridge Road, providing an open door to to estate residents and users of the Anchor Vaults.

Steps to get it done:

• • Involve the Park Street Estate and it’s Bankside neighbourhood into the planning of the programme and the spaces
• Identify limitations and possibilities of the vaults

The London Borough of Southwark have commissioned works to underpin the former Anchor Brewery Vaults and housing above. The buildings are part of the Park Street Estate and will be managed by the Bankside Village Tenant Management Organisation. The newly formed Bankside Village Tenant Management Organisation will take over the management of the estate from LB Southwark.