Southwark: Recognised for its contributions to regeneration and diversity

Southwark has been hitting the headlines lately as a series of new developments have taken place in the borough.

The area has always been popular among Londoners, and is known for its good transport links which make it easier to travel from one end of London to the other.

Southwark has seen a lot of regeneration take place over the years, which has attracted a great deal of businesses and investment into the city.

In Canada Water for example, it was recently announced that over 1,000 new homes are going to be built, after receiving planning permission from Southwark Council's planning committee.

Some 1,030 new flats will be developed, 231 of which will be affordable. The developments are part of a drive to create a destination around the Canada Water basin – for the purposes of shopping, civic, education and leisure uses.

Councillor Fiona Colley, cabinet member for regeneration and planning, said: ""The new homes, with their bold and exciting architecture will replace the lifeless, out-of town, retail-park look the area is associated with. 

"The new Decathlon store will be retained as an anchor to the town centre we're beginning to see emerge. This approval will help to realise the vision of the area action plan to create a new heart for Rotherhithe."

Southwark has also recently become the first local authority in London to be accredited by the Housing Diversity Network (HDN) for its work to promote equality and opportunity within its housing service.

The accreditation was created to recognise the work that local authorities do on diversity issues.

Clifton Robinson, HDN chief executive, welcomed the achievements made by Southwark Council.

He said: "It is a very stiff process and a huge undertaking, but Southwark was singled out by its inspector for its commitment to actively seeking excellence in all aspects of its service delivery and actively seeking to put the user at the heart of its service. We were also impressed with the exceptional levels of leadership, drive and determination to improve equality levels."

The council was also recently awarded £285,000 of funding from Transport for London to deliver the Cycling to School Partnership in Dulwich and Herne Hill.

Southwark Council said that the money will go towards improving the East Dulwich Grove and Townley Road junction. It will also go towards encouraging the schools to promote cycling.

Published 7th November, 2013

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