MICA Architects appointed to refurbish Victorian shops in South London

CGI of how 729 - 733 Old Kent Road could look after restoration and re-purposing (MICA Architects for Southwark Council)

Future Cities Forum has been reporting on the importance of restoring heritage shop fronts throughout the year and so we are delighted to feature MICA Architects' appointment by Southwark Council to refurbish a row of Victorian shops on the Old Kent Road.

The shops (720-733 Old Kent Road) have stood empty for many years and the council has appointed MICA through its new and extended Architects Design Services Framework. MICA will work with engineers HRW to draw up plans to refurbish the buildings and give them a new lease of life.

Currently the proposals include retail on the ground floor and possibly a new community cafe or pub, and training and education on the three upper storeys.

The site is part of a larger development area, bounded by Old Kent Road and Devon Street, known as the Folgate Estates. It includes a number of separate buildings and a large yard. The council estimates that more than 200 flats could be built on the site overall, as well as more than 16,500 sq ft of commercial space. The parade of shops fronting Old Kent Road will be retained and refurbished as part of the council's commitment to preserve local heritage throughout the regeneration area.

Southwark has been awarded Future High Streets funding to help pay for the project and hopes to submit a planning application next year. In the meantime there will be a period of consultation to get the public's feedback on how the space might be used and how it should look.