Cantium Retail Park

Planning support to prove feasibility of inner-city retail park regeneration

Walsh were commissioned at feasibility stage for this large residential led mixed-use development on Old Kent Road. The development proposed to deliver over 1100 residential units in a number of blocks ranging in height from three-storey townhouses to a 49-storey tower.

In addition to the residential accommodation, there will be seven storeys of office space, double height retail units, a theatre and extensive single storey basement.

Given its location the key aspect to the design was to deliver a lean, efficient scheme. Walsh worked with both Brisac Gonzalez and Alan Camp Architects to develop the design from feasibility through to a Stage 3 design for planning. Unit layouts were stacked to avoid transfers while post-tensioned slabs were used to minimise heights and compact core layouts were supplemented by strategically placed outrigger walls to provide efficient stability systems while maintaining a high NIA to GIA ratio.

A specific challenge for the design was the presence of a buried cable tunnel that passes through the site. A replacement tunnel is planned along with the running tunnels for the future Bakerloo Line extension. All of these tunnels pass beneath the 49-storey tower creating a huge challenge for the buildings foundations so design surety was needed to gain planning permission.