Rediscovering Peckham: An architect-led walking tour

Tuesday 9th July 2024 | 18:30 – 20:00

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Join SAVE and Benedict O'Looney for an architect-led walking tour of Peckham town centre, exploring the area’s rich architectural heritage and community-driven conservation efforts. From the Peckham Arch we will head south towards the Grade II Peckham Rye Station, a stunning Victorian masterpiece meticulously restored by Benedict O'Looney Architects over a span of 15 years. Along the way, we will uncover stories behind local initiatives that have shaped Peckham's urban landscape. Discover the inspiring campaigns led by the Peckham Society & Peckham Vision, advocating for the preservation of the Rye Lane Conservation Area and the successful revitalisation of the Peckham Townscape Heritage Initiative, which breathed new life into eight historic shops and houses on the High Street. Learn about the ongoing restoration of the Art Deco former department store Holdron's, now Khan's Bargains. Our journey culminates at Frank's Café at the top of Peckham’s wonderfully re-purposed multi-storey car park, offering a breathtaking panorama of London's skyline—a fitting finale to our exploration of Peckham's past, present and future.

Benedict O’Looney Architects, established in 2005, has helped revitalise Peckham's urban fabric with a number of new build and conservation projects, including the Peckham Mosque and the Peckham Rye Station. Prior to founding his studio, Benedict worked at Nicholas Grimshaw and Partners and Alsop Architects working on the restoration and extension of Paddington Station and the Bath Spa Project. His expertise in conservation and community engagement has been recognised through a Southwark Civic Award. Benedict chairs Southwark Council’s Conservation Area Advisory Group and is a member of the Victorian Society Southern Buildings Committee. His passion lies in combining modern design with historic conservation, helping shape the local community he calls home.

Meet: Under the Peckham Arch (Peckham High Street, SE15 5RS) marking the entrance to Peckham Square for a prompt start at 18:30

Tickets: Friends & Saviours £16, General Public £19 (excl. Eventbrite booking fee)

Image: Peckham Rye Station [credit: Paul Childs, Railway Heritage Trust]