Artistic impression of Camberwell’s new library
Camberwell’s residents are being canvassed for their views for an ambitious £11m regeneration programme that includes the construction of a new library.
Residents will be able to meet project managers, see the proposed scheme designs and contribute to the development of Camberwell until 8 March.
The five projects include a new library with a larger public space, a redesigned park, proposals for Barclays Cycle Superhighway 5 and initiatives to make Camberwell a more “coherent town centre”.
The new library is to be built from the ground up and expected to open in summer 2014. The new facility will enable the council to vacate the existing, rented library, creating long-term savings for the council and allowing the current library to be sold.
A larger public space will be introduced with the library which will add a new pedestrian route through to Camberwell Green and an area called ‘The Orchard’ which will consist of an enclosed space and numerous trees and bushes.
The Barclays Cycle Superhighway 5 is a proposed cycle route from New Cross Gate to Victoria, which will bring substantial change to road layout and improve safety for cyclists.
The rest of the regeneration programme will be focused on expanding public spaces and revitalising what the council has named “Camberwell Pocket Spaces’.
By these, they mean neglected and under used areas which will see new trees, and improvements in street lighting and seating.
These areas are described as “unpleasant to use” and “forms barriers to accessing the town centre and at times present real or perceived safety concerns”. The programme seeks to improve these areas “adding to the amenity of Camberwell”.
Unlike many other regeneration projects, Southwark council aims to protect Camberwell’s “special character” which is created by its “many small and medium sized businesses.”
The Camberwell supplementary planning document (SPD) states: “the focus is on improving current shops rather than retail growth or new development, particularly businesses in the town centre and along Camberwell New Road towards the Oval.” However, “this may change in the future if resources become available.”
Camberwell’s regeneration plans are set to be fully completed by winter 2014.
