Natalia Pérez Velasco


Based on a blunt and precise analysis of the area, the project proposes an action plan, defining short-, mid- and long-term measures for the revitalisation of Peckham Centre. Interventions range from simply cleaning up spaces to the rehabilitation of the public realm based on public funding, from empowerment of local groups to concrete offers to future investors. Thus several spatial strategies, means of financing and funding and various forms of public and private engagement are used to create urban diversity in scale, form and function.

At the heart of Peckham in front of Rye Station a Spice Market is initiated just by opening the space and using it for small shops and market stalls, selling mainly products from the multi-ethnic context of the existing community. Adding a good restaurant to this setting and a series of special events would instantly lead to a comfortable and promising urbanity. The project proposes a multitude of simple ideas, deduced from obvious potentials of the existing. By simply opening up the area, adding new functions without pushing out established ones. Control is gained by use instead of restrictive top down measures. The key options for the transformation of Peckham are already at hand and just need to be stimulated.