Sustainable pop-up “high street” to support SMEs at £2.5bn Elephant Park scheme

Businesses at a multi-billion pound development in London are set for a boost with the installation of a pop-up space.

Lendlease has unveiled its second major ‘meanwhile’ installation at the £2.5bn Elephant Park regeneration project.

The Living Room @ Sayer Street aims to create a complete high street environment while the next phase of the project is completed, and is set to enable local businesses to continue operating once the national lockdown is eased.

Designed by Jan Kattein Architects and Southwark-based BD Landscape Architects, the architecture has utilised sustainable construction materials that can be re-used in the future, including scaffolding, timber and pre-fabricated maker spaces.

Guy Thomas, head of retail at Lendlease, commented: “Our installation on Sayer Street is a great example of Lendlease investing in meanwhile use opportunities to support the community’s experience of the public spaces that we are creating.

“We are committed to ensuring the experience for those spending time at Elephant Park is the best it possibly can be at all stages of the development programme as construction continues.

“Support for local communities is even more significant and essential given the current Covid-19 climate; and investing in delivering attractive and interesting spaces the community can safely enjoy throughout the changing pandemic restrictions is vital.”

Jan Kattein, founder of Jan Kattein Architects, added: “High streets are some of the most important civic spaces in London. To ensure their continued success we must re-invent what they offer socially, culturally and economically.

“Our design for Sayer Street brings together elements that represent some of London’s best loved streets; creating spaces to meet and wonder, spaces for entertainment and engagement, and spaces of enterprise.”