The redevelopment of the South London area continues as the new London College of Communication campus takes shape.
by Ethan Thompson and Anggi Pande
Work on the Elephant and Castle town centre continues its redevelopment scheme, involving changes to UAL’s London College of Communication campus – this includes a new building to be completed by 2027, more student accommodation and better transport links for students, staff and the general public.
Previously known as the London College of Printing in the 1960s, the campus relocated to what is known as the tower block, later building LCC’s media block and studio space for the college’s growing departments in 2004.
The new LCC building promises for a better natural environment, more specialist spaces for the college’s technical facilities, better access to their archives and the building’s first two floors open to the public. It will also include more spaces for exhibitions and a roof terrace, inviting more high-profile events and venues for graduate showcases.
We asked staff and students alike about their thoughts, and what was clear was the stronger desire and understanding of the need for a brand new campus building from staff.
Facilities assistant Thierry has worked at UAL since 2010 – he noted the deteriorating state of the current building: “It’s a good change because this building is full of leaks, there’s problems with wifi; what they need to do is keep the very old building because it’s historic, but this one, get rid of it.”
Many of the students we spoke to were unaware that the construction was for the new LCC campus, although this may be because a number of students will be leaving before the construction is finished and therefore aren’t affected, or because of a lack of information provided by the university.
As first-year student Lila stated: “I don’t know why we’re moving, I had no idea.” Third-year students Katie and Phoebe admitted: “I wish it happened sooner, I’m sad that I’m going to miss it. My friend was in a lecture in the tower block the other day and a panel from the ceiling fell down, so, I think it needs to happen.”
A reception assistant noted the changes this new campus brings that will benefit the students: “This building is 50 years old and I’ve been working for UAL for 24 years now.
“You need something new, because if you look at it, the risk of theft when students go out is high. When you get to the new building, and by the time they bring this down, the security there will be much better so you prefer having that ability to protect students.”
We asked both students and staff whether any of this construction affected their capacity to attend or work at the university and no one reported any major hindrances to their travel or capacity to work – unless you count a falling ceiling panel.
Since the project’s launch in 2013, the Elephant Central area constructions have seen significant changes to the area. The demolition of the old Elephant and Castle shopping centre began in 2020, making way for the new Castle Centre, home to new retail shops and a green space. The second phase, the East Site, includes the new LCC campus.
In October, the developers Get Living proposed their updated plans for the area’s West Site, the third phase of the redevelopment. Taking feedback from partners and the local community, this part of the development will include 507 homes in total; with 49 homes being affordable rent, 116 social rent and the remainder with market rent.
However, there have been concerns from local businesses, who believe that the projects have affected the livelihood of locals who have operated in the area for over a decade.
The Latino community in Elephant and Castle make a significant contribution to the culture of the area with bakeries, restaurants and cafes. These businesses have been put at risk by the developments, as threats of rising rent prices could push these establishments out of Elephant and Castle despite the role they played in making the area’s community in the first place.
The planning process was the subject of protests by local people, especially market traders, who were moved when the old shopping centre was demolished. The debate over the gentrification of the area has also been the subject of demonstrations.
Despite this, a statement from the Elephant and Castle Town Centre website says: “The Elephant and Castle Town Centre team has always worked closely with the local community and we welcome the support we have received from residents, traders and visitors to the area.”
Whether Elephant and Castle’s redevelopments are for better or worse, the hope is that future London College of Communication students and current staff will have access to safer and more effective amenities as well as a fresh start with specialist facilities.
Featured image by UAL.