Castle House

The regeneration of the Elephant & Castle is not only the highest priority in Southwark's development agenda but equally one of the largest urban renewal projects in Europe. The local authority is working with a number of private developers on a 15-20 year programme costed at over £1.5 billion. The site of Castle House is within an Opportunity Area and was occupied by an undistinguished 1960s block.

Since the project was the first major scheme to be brought forward at the Elephant, there was concern that it should contain significant community benefits. A section 106 agreement was negotiated, including the provision of retail and public space at ground level, in addition to 408 residential units within the 43-storey tower. The project was also notable for its environmental credentials, including the use of power-generating wind turbines at roof level. Despite the reservations of English Heritage – concerned at the building's impact on distant views from the Serpentine – the scheme won planning consent in four months.