Key Points
- Six shortlisted design teams revealed for “Hope in the Square,” a design competition to create a garden in Peckham Square, Southwark, London.
- The competition is part of a £7 million redevelopment scheme led by New London Architecture (NLA) and Southwark Council.
- The garden aims to be a safe, accessible, and inclusive space celebrating youth and community, honouring the legacy of Damilola Taylor.
- The project will replace the iconic Peckham Arch and become a permanent feature for at least 15 to 20 years.
- Shortlisted teams will be awarded £1,500 + VAT each to develop their designs further.
- The winner will be announced in October 2025.
- The design competition encourages collaboration with the local community to reflect Peckham’s heritage and future aspirations.
What Is the “Hope in the Square” Competition About?
As reported by New London Architecture (NLA) on their official news update dated 3 November 2025, the “Hope in the Square” design competition was launched in partnership with Southwark Council to transform the gardens area of Peckham Square into a vital green space celebrating young people and community engagement. This initiative forms part of the broader redevelopment of Peckham Square, a central civic space surrounded by local landmarks such as Alsop’s Stirling Prize-winning Peckham Library, Peckham Pulse Leisure Centre, and the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.
The garden will reflect the legacy of Damilola Taylor, whose tragic death in 2000 left a profound impact on the local community, and aims to pay tribute to his family and the Hope Collective charity dedicated to youth empowerment. The competition welcomes architects, designers, artists, and creatives to help reimagine the space as an accessible, inclusive, and dynamic meeting place for young people and residents.
Who Are the Shortlisted Teams and What Are Their Concepts?
The shortlist of six design practices was announced after submissions closed in August 2025. Each shortlisted team will now receive an honorarium of £1,500 + VAT to further develop their proposals. One of the shortlisted entries mentioned on LinkedIn is “Braid Garden,” submitted by Erika Wei and a collaborator, which takes inspiration from natural weaving and community ties.
While detailed concept descriptions for all six shortlisted teams have not been publicly disclosed, the competition guidelines specify design aspirations towards safety, accessibility, inclusivity, and creating a welcoming environment for communal reflection and celebration of Peckham’s heritage and future.
Why Is This Garden Important for Peckham?
As described by Southwark Council and reported by noah-news.com, this redevelopment including the garden forms part of the council’s flagship £7 million project for Peckham Square, aimed at revitalising the area by creating vibrant public spaces. The garden is expected to serve as a permanent feature for at least 15 to 20 years, becoming a legacy of community and youth celebration.
The project also includes the removal of the well-known Peckham Arch, symbolising a new chapter for the square, focused on openness and public engagement. By honouring Damilola Taylor’s legacy, the project seeks to foster hope and unity among the borough’s diverse residents and young people.
How Will the Community Be Involved?
According to New London Architecture, the winner of the competition will work closely with the local community to bring their vision to life, ensuring the garden resonates with residents and reflects local aspirations. This collaborative approach aims to anchor the design in real community needs and expressions, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the realised space.
This community engagement is a critical part of the competition, aiming to build a legacy intertwined with Peckham’s identity and support ongoing civic pride and social cohesion.
What Are the Next Steps and Timeline?
The competition submissions deadline was 14 August 2025, with the shortlist announced in early November 2025. The overall winner is anticipated to be revealed in October 2025, after which the winning design team will work in partnership with Southwark Council and local stakeholders to further develop and realise the garden.
The entire Peckham Square redevelopment project is progressing well, with several architectural firms already appointed for other parts of the redesign. Planning applications are expected to follow public consultations later in the year.
