Farrer Huxley
Ambition To Create a Socially Successful Urban Quarter A neglected working yard, hidden between Deptford rail station, heritage railway arches and an open-air market presented a unique opportunity for regeneration. Farrer Huxley designed th

Deptford Market Yard

Lewisham, London

The project has created a new heart for Deptford - transforming a neglected working yard into a distinctive and socially successful public realm.
 
Public Realm at Deptford Market Yard; photo ©Diane Auckland/ Fotohaus Ltd.

Public Realm at Deptford Market Yard; photo ©Diane Auckland/ Fotohaus Ltd.

 
Type Regeneration, Public Realm & Commercial, Community Engagement, Masterplanning & Urban Design
Location Deptford, London Borough of Lewisham
Scale 0.37 ha (3,700 sqm)
Public realm fronting rail station, commercial units and 132 new homes
Client U+I PLC
Partners Pollard Thomas Edwards, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, Ash Sakula
Status Completed 2016
RIBA Stages 0-7
Awards Mayor’s Prize Commendation – New London Award 2016;
Best Heritage Led Project – London Planning Award 2017
 
 
Ambition To Create a Socially Successful Urban Quarter A neglected working yard, hidden between Deptford rail station, heritage railway arches and an open-air market presented a unique opportunity for regeneration. Farrer Huxley designed th

Ambition

To Create a Socially Successful Urban Quarter

A neglected working yard, hidden between Deptford rail station, heritage railway arches and an open-air market presented a unique opportunity for regeneration.

Farrer Huxley designed the public realm with a vision to transform it into an inviting civic space.

Impact A New Heart for Deptford This is now a vibrant piece of public realm embedded in local culture. It is a place that people make use of and enjoy: on some days it is a fully-fledged market, on others it is a space to socialise or relax.

Impact

A New Heart for Deptford

This is now a vibrant piece of public realm embedded in local culture. It is a place that people make use of and enjoy: on some days it is a fully-fledged market, on others it is a space to socialise or relax.

Retaining the Existing Community

One of the project’s key successes is the retention of the local community. Recognising the opportunity to expand their trade, many of the businesses occupying the original yard have moved into the new commercial spaces.

Above three photos: bottom photo ©Diane Auckland/ Fotohaus Ltd.

Above three photos: bottom photo ©Diane Auckland/ Fotohaus Ltd.

Approach

Flexibility Equals Possibility

The flexibility of the landscape allows the Yard to flourish socially. It encourages individual expression and appropriation, garnering feelings of ownership and belonging from the local community.

Authenticity and Practicality

A rigorous and thoughtful approach to materials has resulted in both atmosphere and practicality. Robust weathered steel reflects the strength of this community and will stand the test of time as the scheme evolves.

Welcoming Connections

Legible connections invite people into the public realm.

The Grade II listed carriage ramp - one of London’s oldest railway structures - has been given practical relevance. It provides a new link between the high street and train station, whilst celebrating the history and character of Deptford.

Saturday Market at Deptford Market Yard.

Saturday Market at Deptford Market Yard.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Enabling Dialogue

Formal consultation events and informal exchanges were an opportunity to listen, share the design process and build trust.

We needed to understand this diverse community so that we could translate their perspectives into the scheme authentically and create a place embedded in local culture.