The Somerleyton Road Project will be one of the first to come forward as part of Future Brixton and will be developed in partnership with the local community.
This is a new approach for Lambeth, and we’re excited about working with both Brixton Green and Ovalhouse theatre on these ambitious plans. Cllr Pete Robbins, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration
Two local organisations are already working with the council on an exciting project that could see a theatre at the heart of a mixed development along Somerleyton Road.
Brixton Green is a registered mutual organisation set up four years ago to make it possible for all sections of the community to come together and make a positive and informed contribution to the redevelopment of Somerleyton Road. There are now over 1,000 people who live or work in Brixton who are shareholders and supportive of the vision.
The transformation of Somerleyton Road would bring lasting benefits for the wider neighbourhood. Stephen Jordan, Brixton Green Chairman
Ovalhouse has thrived as a radical theatre and pioneering youth arts organisation for 50 years. Based in Oval, it has been looking for a suitable site in Brixton for more than eight years and sees Somerleyton Road as an ideal site for its lively programme of activities for all ages.
We need a fit-for-purpose building to present our diverse theatre programme to run our young people’s projects, for community use, to hold rehearsals and training. We also want to open affordable units for small scale creative enterprises. Somerleyton Road would make an ideal site for our work. Deborah Bestwick, Ovalhouse Director
The Somerleyton Road site runs off Coldharbour Lane and is on partly vacant land of around 15,000sqm in front of the Moorlands Estate. The site is largely, but not wholly, owned by the council and was identified in the Brixton Masterplan (2009) as a key regeneration opportunity. This project could see the council enter into an agreement to develop the site based on the outline scheme to be agreed with local people.
A shared vision
This partnership shares a vision for a truly mixed development to support and respond to community life along Somerleyton Road. Adding to Brixton’s attractions, it could include more homes, work spaces, and possibly health and education facilities. It could also include a new cultural facility on the corner of Coldharbour Lane that would bring theatre performances and activities for all ages, along with training and community spaces.
The aspirations for the area are also captured in the proposals for the Somerleyton Road investment area, as part of the draft Brixton SPD.
There will be lots happening over the next few weeks for you to get involved
