First nature Creating Central London s greenest new place to live

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1 Brought to you by THE South Gardens Issue First nature Creating Central London s greenest new place to live South gardens Healthy homes surrounding tranquil gardens In the hub 20 great places to cycle to in under 20 minutes Growth capital Growing your own in the heart of the city The Life The Heart The Elephant Elephant Park 1

2 The Life The Heart The Elephant Brought to you by Welcome to the South Gardens Issue Lend Lease welcomes you to Elephant Park and a bold new vision for living in the heart of London. Elephant Park is a new residential development designed around a leafy landscape that boasts Central London s largest new park in 70 years. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy the convenience of Zone 1 London as well as a lifestyle that brings you closer to nature and your community in a vibrant city neighbourhood. South Gardens is the exciting first phase of Elephant Park. The new homes and facilities are designed from the inside out to enable you to access everything you need to live, work, rest and play in comfort and in style. We use a range of non-toxic and energy-efficient materials to build healthy homes that maximise fresh air, space and light. Our rooftop gardens encourage people to grow food together, while our easy-to-navigate cycling routes, courtyards and gentle pathways form a green network through a diverse natural landscape. Elephant Park is a world-leading development and one of only 18 projects worldwide that are part of the C40 Climate Positive Development programme, a ground-breaking global initiative to shape the future of sustainable urban development. Through our involvement with the scheme, we are tackling the most challenging issues London is facing with clever green design, cutting edge technology and unusual partnerships with like-minded organisations and experts. Elephant & Castle is an area rich in history with an established local community and a unique character. We aim to build on these strengths to create a place that not only enhances the local area but will set the standard for future developments around the world. THE South Gardens Issue First nature Creating Central London s greenest new place to live South gardens Healthy homes surrounding tranquil gardens In the hub 20 great places to cycle to in under 20 minutes Growth capital Growing your own in the heart of the city Elephant Park on your tablet Available on your ipad. Search Elephant Park to download the latest edition. To interact with this brochure download the Lend Lease Life App from the Apple or Android Store. When you see this icon, launch the App and hold your device over the page to bring the content to life. Cover image of Elephant Park. Computer generated image, indicative only Elephant Park 1

3 05 Elephant Park will be a gorgeous place to bring up children. In years to come, it will become a community with a living landscape at its heart. Chris Baines, environmental advisor, writer and broadcaster 26 Contents 05 First nature Elephant Park s commitment to nature, clean air and wider conservation makes it one of the best places to enjoy life in the heart of London. Three leading environmentalists describe the greenery and wildlife residents can look forward to across the living landscape. 23 Material difference Pascal Mittermaier, director of sustainability at Lend Lease, explains how intelligent and innovative use of construction materials, paired with cutting-edge architecture, will make a real difference to the quality of life for all Elephant Park residents. 26 World on a plate Given the diversity of cultural expressions in London, it should come as no surprise that the city s buzzing restaurant scene is truly global in outlook. We pay tribute to that variety with a pick of the best international cafés, bars and restaurants in south London, just minutes from Elephant Park. 09 In the hub London is a cyclist s city: its long rows of Boris bikes, cycle cafés and stylish roadwear brands show a passion that cannot be contained by the Olympic Velodrome. Embrace the capital s thriving bike culture from Elephant Park, a short ride from the centre s leading attractions. 15 Cultural visionary Rob Wray, director and founder of Elefest, shares his vision for the future of the annual festival in Elephant & Castle, which celebrates the diversity of local art and culture Growth capital Rising numbers of city dwellers are choosing to grow their own fruit and vegetables, whether in shared allotments or terracotta pots on small balconies. At Elephant Park, Lend Lease is at the forefront of a trend that is seeing London becoming more cultivated by the day Elephant Park Elephant Park 3

4 50 33 Welcome to Elephant Park 34 An extraordinary story of transformation London s most exciting new neighbourhood in a 1.5bn transformation. 38 Perefectly located Located in a prime position in Zone 1 Central London, transport services connect Elephant & Castle to the whole of London. 40 The new green heart of Central London Elephant Park is the new green vision for city living. 42 Neighbourhood plan From rich and varied parkland to a new central shopping street explore the neighbourhood of Elephant Park. 44 Park life Grassy meadows, fine lawns and woodlands, the parkland will be truly a delight to behold. 50 Highly cultivated Located on the roof of South Garden Court, the jewel in the crown of South Gardens is a communal grow garden. 52 The height of relaxation Residents will benefit from a rooftop function room and a 24-hour concierge service. 54 Neighbourhood of the future Designed by Stirling Prize winners, MaccreanorLavington Architects, South Gardens will feature independent shops, restaurants, cafés and bars. 56 South Garden Point The 16-storey red-brick tower adjacent to Walworth Square will be home to 60 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, each with a private balcony or terrace. 57 South Garden View Featuring 30 homes in total, split into one, two and three-bedroom apartments across six floors. 52 This image is for illustrative purposes only 46 Welcome to South Gardens South Gardens has a quiet, residential feel that reflects the wonderful variety of green spaces it has to offer. 48 Private & tranquil The green spaces of South Gardens are the place to enjoy all that nature has to offer without having to leave your back garden. 58 South Garden Mansions Two eight-storey mansion blocks (east and west), each with a collection of four duplexes with private gardens, and 30 apartments. 59 South Garden Court Made up of two-storey duplex homes with private gardens, one, two, and threebedroom apartments, and also boasts rooftop grow gardens. 60 Space to unwind With the appreciation for space in mind, the interior features are designed to make your life easier and healthier. 66 Specifications 68 My Lend Lease Rob Heasman. 69 Lend Lease Creating the best places. First nature Elephant Park s commitment to nature, clean air and wider conservation makes it one of the best places to enjoy life in the heart of London. Three leading environmentalists describe the greenery and wildlife residents can look forward to across the living landscape. 4 Elephant Park Elephant Park 5

5 First Nature Download and launch the App. Hold your phone over this page to bring the content to life. Elephant Park will host central London s largest new park in 70 years. In the process, it will also become one of the city s greenest places to live, with more than a hundred mature trees retained and nearly 300 new trees planted. Over time, the variety and quantity of habitats with trees and plants will attract many different kinds of local wildlife, from songbirds and squirrels to butterflies and even frogs. What makes Elephant Park really stand out, says Carlo Laurenzi, chief executive of the London Wildlife Trust, is that it sets out to enhance nature, not just to be mindful of it. As a result, residents will be completely immersed in nature, whether on the ground or on the roof. Living walls, climbers and green roofs will provide habitats for different plants and wildlife, creating a more balanced ecosystem. In addition, rooftop grow gardens will give people the chance to enjoy the natural environment by taking part in a community activity: growing fruit and vegetables together. The average person living in Elephant Park is likely to see nature from all levels: from their residence; from a distance, when looking towards home; and when walking through the myriad little parks and squares across the scheme, says Laurenzi. Residents will be able to experience a deep appreciation of nature that is rarely felt in the capital, thanks to Lend Lease s holistic approach to design. Hyde Park, for example, is fairly sterile, despite the fact that it s green, Laurenzi notes. Once Elephant Park has reached a degree of maturity, I would anticipate that you ll have lots of variability: moist areas, dry areas, treetop habitats, traditional urban gardens and green roofs, for instance, says Laurenzi. You might even see some small, localised wet woodlands a very rare habitat in London. Laurenzi cites Lend Lease s decision to retain as many mature trees as possible as a particularly brave one. It s much more expensive, messy and complicated to do it that way round, he says. But the trees that are kept positively affect drainage and create shade two considerations that are really important in a fluctuating climate. Elephant Park will have a peacefulness that allows you to really hear the birds singing. Chris Baines, environmental advisor, writer and broadcaster Residents could experience a deep appreciation of nature that is rarely felt in the capital. Carlo Laurenzi, chief executive of the London Wildlife Trust By providing the best mix of trees, plants and growing opportunities, Elephant Park will not only attract wildlife and improve drainage, it will also improve air quality. Elliot Treharne, air quality manager at the Greater London Authority (GLA), says Lend Lease is a very good example of a company working with the Mayor to start tackling the problem of air pollution and taking further steps to improve air quality, both across London and in local areas such as Elephant & Castle. The plants throughout Elephant Park, especially the trees closest to the roads, will help absorb air pollution and clean the air. In addition, a network of car-free paths across and around the development will encourage people to cycle or walk, instead of driving. The result will be a neighbourhood where living a greener, healthier lifestyle is both easier and more attractive. Longer term, the design and development of Elephant Park the buildings themselves and the standards they meet mean you will get lower emissions in the individual buildings as well, Treharne adds. Finally, by creating a more sustainable neighbourhood, by investing in a local transport infrastructure and by encouraging the design of a liveable neighbourhood, where cycling is an easy and attractive option, Lend Lease is also contributing to sustaining and helping mode shift. It s a multi-pronged approach of improving air quality, which is integrated from the very beginning, in terms of the design of the development. Of course, a design for better air quality is just one of the benefits of Elephant Park s living landscape; another 6 Elephant Park Elephant Park 7

6 First Nature London Plane Flowering Cherry is its retreat-like calm. Effectively, Elephant Park will be a mature woodland with housing in it, says Chris Baines, one of the UK s leading environmentalists. It will have a peacefulness that allows you to really hear the birds singing. Baines sees the development as a natural oasis in the heart of the city, a vantage point from which to observe songbirds in the spring and rusting leaves in the autumn. He likens Elephant Park to a sanctuary. What will dominate the experience of living in Elephant Park is its greenness and close contact with the changing seasons, Baines explains. The new landscape added to the existing urban forest is being designed to encourage butterflies and the kinds of wildlife people love to live among. The area will become a wildlife hub. Baines adds that Elephant Park s position near the Thames will make it a stopping-off point for a whole range of birds. Elephant Park can punch above its weight in terms of being a really important location for nature conservation. There are going to be rivers of green spreading out through the development and beyond, says Baines. That will mean people can have contact with nature as they travel around the neighbourhood. But, most importantly, Elephant Park will be a gorgeous place to bring up children, according to Baines. In years to come, it will become a community with a living landscape at its heart. The park and the green spaces, the climbers on the walls and the variety of tree canopies will all add up to a green landscape that I think will be loved by the people living there, Baines concludes. Indeed, there is a real sense that the best is yet to come. 8 Elepha nt Pa rk Hazel Lime Amelanchier Elephant Park will be a gorgeous place to bring up children. In years to come, it will become a community with a living landscape at its heart. Chris Baines, environmental advisor, writer and broadcaster London is a cyclist s city: its long rows of Boris bikes, cycle cafés and stylish roadwear brands show a passion that cannot be contained by the Olympic Velodrome. Embrace the capital s thriving bike culture from Elephant Park, a short ride from the centre s leading attractions. El e phan t Park 9

7 IN THE HUB Download and launch the App. Hold your phone over this page to bring the content to life. Imperial war museum 3 minutes, 0.7 km Over the past few years, cycling has become the sport of choice for Londoners. Transport for London (TfL) reported a 150% increase in cycling as a mode of transport between 2000 and 2011, and that figure is set to rise sharply. A great way to unwind, breathe fresh air and exercise, cycling already offers a pleasant alternative to a daily commute across London s Tube network. And with plans to set up a grid of new cycle routes in Central London already underway, city dwellers can look forward to a joinedup cycling network that makes it even easier to start and keep pedalling. Now, more than ever, there is a sense that London s cyclists are riding on the crest of a wave, rather than fixed gears. Bradley Wiggins gold medal win at the 2012 Olympic Games, and historic Tour de France win, has given the sport a new lustre. UK Sport s Gold Event Series plans to bring 70 world-class cycling events to the UK by 2019, including the 101st edition of the Tour de France in Elephant Park is at the very centre of the cycling revolution: with over 3,000 secure bicycle parking spaces, a series of cycle workstations for residents and up to 90 new docking points in its Barclays Cycle Hire scheme, the development is designed to make cycling as easy as possible. Signed cycle routes promise to improve connectivity, while a dedicated cycle clinic can be relied on for swift, convenient repairs. Best of all, Elephant Park sits within easy reach of London s top cultural and gastronomic attractions, from the National Theatre and Shakespeare s Globe on the riverside to the bustling market stalls of Spitalfields. Here are 20 of the most exciting places to cycle to in less than 20 minutes from Elephant & Castle. Delve into the Imperial War Museum s extensive archives for rare insights into family life in wartime Britain, espionage and more. A major restoration, due to be completed by Lend Lease in July 2014, will pave the way for the largest exhibition of British First World War art for nearly a century. Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park provides a vibrant green backdrop for the museum. Lambeth Road, London, SE1 6HZ +44 (0) Borough Market 6 minutes, 1.7 km A haven for chefs and enthusiastic cooks, Borough Market brings together some of the country s finest food and drink producers under its wrought-iron roof. Find everything from artisan sourdough loaves and shade-dried limes to phials of white truffle oil. 8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL +44 (0) Shakespeare s Globe 6 minutes, 1.7 km This waterside theatre is a careful reconstruction of the 1599 Globe, the Elizabethan playhouse where Shakespeare presented and acted in many of his most famous works. 21 New Globe Walk, London, SE1 9DT +44 (0) White Cube Gallery 6 minutes, 1.8 km The biggest commercial art gallery in the UK boasts a 60-seat auditorium, bookshop and rigorous education programme, as well as a series of installation spaces dedicated to emerging and established contemporary artists Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3TQ +44 (0) The Oval 8 minutes, 1.9 km The Oval was the first UK cricket ground to host international Test cricket, back in Since then, it has evolved into a popular sports ground for football, rugby and hockey matches, in addition to the summer s final Test match. Surrey County Cricket Club, London, SE11 5SS +44 (0) Tate Modern 6 minutes, 1.8 km The vast turbine hall of the Tate Modern, which occupies the former Bankside Power Station, leads visitors to a cascade of major works by Matisse, Rothko and many more. Small wonder the gallery attracts nearly five million visitors each year. Bankside, London, SE1 9TG +44 (0) Maltby St Market 6 minutes, 2.0 km Greek honeys, hot waffles and olive leaf tea are among the many treats on offer at Ropewalk, a cluster of market stalls concealed in converted railway arches on Maltby Street. Maltby Street, London, SE1 3PA +44 (0) National Theatre 8 minutes, 2.4 km The National Theatre has produced more than 700 plays since it opened in 1963, including recent hit comedy One Man, Two Guvnors. Equally impressive are the photographic exhibitions in the foyer. South Bank, London, SE1 9PX +44 (0) Elephant Park Elephant Park 11

8 IN THE HUB Design Museum 10 minutes, 3.3 km The Scoop 10 minutes, 2.6 km Throughout the summer, this sunken amphitheatre plays host to al fresco film screenings, music performances, staged productions and community events. The best bit? Events are open and free to all. Queen s Walk, London, SE1 2DB +44 (0) Set up by Sir Terence Conran, the Design Museum celebrates creative thinking and contemporary design as paths to innovation. Previous exhibitions have covered subjects as varied as Christian Louboutin s vertiginous stilettos and the design ethos of Dieter Rams. Shad Thames, London, SE1 2YD +44 (0) British Museum 12 minutes, 3.6 km The world s first national public museum is filled with historic artefacts from across the globe, including Chinese ceramics, Babylonian tablets and Viking coins. The bronze figures are especially memorable. Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG +44 (0) Spitalfields Market 12 minutes, 3.8 km London s oldest market welcomes fashion, art and food traders, alongside a range of independent shops and boutiques. Particularly good is the chocolatier Montezuma s, which offers bars spiked with lime, salt and dragon ginger, among other ingredients. Brushfield Street, London, E1 6A Trafalgar Square 10 minutes, 3.3 km Home to Nelson s Column and the frequently changing Fourth Plinth, Trafalgar Square is an essential port of call for its historic statues and intricately carved fountains. Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN +44 (0) Covent Garden 10 minutes, 3.3 km The Royal Opera House and the London Transport Museum are just two of the cultural highlights found alongside Covent Garden s famous cobbled piazza, which is known for its imaginative street performances. The Market, London, WC2E 8RF +44 (0) Elephant Park Exmouth Market 14 minutes, 4.1 km Criss-crossed with fairy lights, the cobbled street of Exmouth Market makes a romantic backdrop for its quirky stalls, cosy bookshops and Moorish tapas bar, Morito. Exmouth Market, London, EC1R 4TL Barbican Centre 16 minutes, 4.2 km Europe s biggest multi-arts and conference venue prides itself on staging dance, theatre and music performances that escape definition. Plus, the London Symphony Orchestra resides here. Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS +44 (0) Elephant Park 13

9 IN THE HUB Profile: Rob Wray, Director and founder of ELEFEST Hyde Park Corner 14 minutes, 4.4 km In addition to being the meeting point for Knightsbridge, Park Lane and Piccadilly, Hyde Park Corner is home to war memorials and Wellington Arch, a majestic gate that was originally designed as an entrance to Buckingham Palace. The vast green space the park has to offer also makes it a meeting point for London s communities, as well as a natural stage for seasonal festivals and outdoor concerts. Brixton Market 15 minutes, 4.8 km Brixton s African and Caribbean influences make for a truly vibrant market, split across street stalls and covered arcades. Don t leave without trying the delicious Neapolitan-style pizza at Franco Manca. Oxford Circus 15 minutes, 4.8 km This popular shopping district is lined with internationally renowned department stores and flagship retailers, including Selfridges, John Lewis and Liberty. A must-see during sale season. Columbia Road Shops & Flower Market 15 minutes, 5.0 km The best place to buy locally sourced blooms, bulbs and hanging baskets is edged by a neat line of independent shops selling perfume, vintage clothing and delicious strawberry bon bons. Electric Avenue, London, SW9 8JX 14 Elephant Park Columbia Road, London, E2 7RG Elephant Park 15

10 Cultural visionary Download and launch the App. Hold your phone over this page to bring the content to life. Rob Wray, director and founder of Elefest, shares his vision for the future of the annual festival in Elephant & Castle, which celebrates the diversity of local art and culture. Elefest has come a long way since it began as a small event in October The original idea behind Elefest, says its founder Rob Wray, was to celebrate the culture and creative diversity of Elephant & Castle. His aim was to shift outsiders perceptions of the area. I wanted to give local artists a stage, a chance to perform and show how good they were he says. In many ways, the festival was borne out of frustration. I was bored of artists sitting around, talking and not much happening, Wray admits. Because my background was in film and in organising festivals, I was the one who made it happen. To this day, his role has not changed. There are a handful of us, says Wray, quick to dispel any misconceptions that the festival has a big team behind it. We ve always been punching way above our weight. Over the past 12 years, Elefest has grown into a firm favourite in the London calendar, beloved by neighbours and visitors alike. Part of the festival s success is due to its deep involvement of local people. The biggest lesson we learnt was that the more local people got involved, the bigger the audience. And that creates momentum, which attracts people from outside. You ve got to look at the bigger picture says Wray. His strong personal connection to the festival s setting is clear. I m originally from the area, he explains. I grew up in Walworth and have moved a mile in 40 years!. Although Elefest was founded on film, it was always intended to go beyond the confines of the cinema. If you concentrate solely on one art form, you ll quickly reach a cul-de-sac, Wray warns. As a result, the festival has a progressive spirit that sets it apart from many others in London. You could make the argument that what we were doing with the festival was creating pop-ups before everyone was calling them popups, says Wray. We set up cinemas all over the area, from the middle of the estates to the shopping centre. Indeed, coming from a background of not really letting people tell you that you can t do something is the source of Wray s creativity. It s been great, Wray reminisces. Every year has had its own highlights and moments where we think, This is doing something positive. Wray has particularly fond memories of a screening of the film This is England at the Coronet Theatre, followed by performances from local artists Trojan Sound System and Top Cats. Every seat and there were around 500 of them was full, he says. Similarly, in 2008, the festival hosted an outdoor screening of The Wizard of Oz in a courtyard framed by some of the last Victorian tenement buildings surviving in London. Everyone was there children, families. It was lovely, Wray smiles. The original idea behind Elefest, was to celebrate the culture and creative diversity of Elephant and Castle. I wanted to give local artists a stage, a chance to perform and show how good they were. Rob Wray Perhaps more than any other festival, Elefest has stirred feelings of curiosity and wonder in even the most unlikely places. One year, Wray converted an underground roundabout into a warren of photographic avenues, a gallery hidden from plain view. On the launch night, we gave wine to people passing through, he says. Most people, because of their perceptions of the subways, usually went through them really quickly or not at all. The point was to give people a reason to linger. It was a powerful moment when late one night we spotted someone who was cycling through stop to have a look. Wray describes the 2013 edition as one of the biggest yet. The publicity we got based on the festival was overwhelmingly supportive, he says, referencing glowing reviews across London s media outlets. Highlights included a pop-up cinema, night market and even a treasure hunt that saw dozens of children look for clues dotted around the local shopping centre. Meanwhile, Richard Reynolds, a local resident, encouraged visitors to become guerrilla gardeners for an afternoon and plant blooms in unexpected places. We had Stephen Humphrey, a local historian who has released a book about Elephant & Castle, give a presentation about the area, Wray goes on. That was nice because he originally gave a talk about six years ago, but the book hadn t been written at that stage. So there s a sense of continuity. The event also saw local actor Johnny Harris stage a special screening of his film, London to Brighton a screening that Wray believes created a ripple effect: Having someone like Johnny, who has a high profile in the film industry, come along, show a film and talk about it helps other people think: Actually, I might be able to do something similar. 16 Elephant Park Elephant Park 17

11 Cultural visionary There is a real sense of momentum building behind the festival and Wray has big plans for its future. The main idea is to build on the success from last year, to keep raising its profile and involving local artists and people, he says. Ultimately, we want the festival to become an annual celebration of all things Elephant and become one of the biggest events of its kind in London. Wray also hopes to continue the festival s long association with film. We started a film festival that evolved into something else, he says. It would be good to keep that going, given the legacy of former residents such as Charlie Chaplin and Michael Caine. After all, The Coronet was where Chaplin made his debut on stage. However, Wray s ambitions go far beyond preserving the festival s roots. Of course, the festival is about the moving image, but it s also about people harking back to the days before the war, when Elephant & Castle was full of theatres, cinemas and performers either living or working there, he explains. We want to recreate or reimagine the area the way it was then. The real reason Wray puts on Elefest year after year is the sense of community it engenders. It s that feeling of bringing people together, creating something, being part of something, he explains. What he doesn t want is for the festival to be seen as a UFO that descends on Elephant & Castle once a year. Tellingly, circus is the word Wray uses to capture the essence of Elefest: there is magic and a feeling of exhilaration in the event s transience. But, above all, it s really about a love of the area as it is, as it was and as it will be, says Wray. And that love shows no signs of faltering. There is magic and a feeling of exhilaration in the event s transience. But, above all, it s really about a love of the area as it is, as it was and as it will be, says Wray. And that love shows no signs of faltering. Rising numbers of city dwellers are choosing to grow their own fruit and vegetables, whether in shared allotments or terracotta pots on the smallest of balconies. At Elephant Park, Lend Lease is at the forefront of a trend that is seeing London becoming more cultivated by the day. 18 Elephant Park Elephant Park 19

12 Growth Capital Download and launch the App. Hold your phone over this page to bring the content to life. Ever since 2005, when there was an upswing in the grow-your-own movement, urban gardening has remained a popular pursuit for Londoners. Back then, the push towards gardening was part of a collective interest in traditional values such as crafting and baking, says Matthew Wilson, managing director of Clifton Nurseries. But recently, a more aesthetic and holistic approach to gardening has emerged that values bees and biodiversity as much as the ability to self-sustain. Wilson offers a simple explanation: Perhaps the tastes and interests of those who were attracted to gardening a few years ago are maturing. They are beginning to get excited about the visual side of gardening. At Elephant Park, Lend Lease is creating communal grow gardens, located on the roof of South Garden Court. It provides 40 plots to plant and nurture fruit, vegetables and herbs. Image courtesy of Capital Growth The trend continues apace. Growing numbers of schools are introducing gardening to the curriculum, while those living on the outskirts of the city are capitalising on urban farming as a source of extra income. This year, entrepreneurs Richard Ballard and Steven Dring set up 'Growing Underground' by converting former World War II air raid shelters in Clapham into an underground farm that uses LED bulbs to grow pea shoots, rocket, Thai basil and edible flowers, among many other exotic and heritage varieties. Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux Jr is a director of the company, which plans to sell its first harvest by the end of the summer. High-rise residents, meanwhile, are quickly discovering that gardening helps them get to know their neighbours in a way that goes well beyond borrowing a cup of sugar. Gardening is one of the most extraordinary ways for people to come together around a shared objective, says Wilson. It s completely selfless. It s all about the connection with people and the connection with the space. Indeed, Capital Growth, a project that supports people who wish to grow food in London, found that 71% of those who have used its growing spaces made a new friend with someone in the neighbourhood or local area as a result of getting involved in the events, activities and training days it offers. Since the project launched in 2008, it has seen 124 acres of food-growing spaces installed across the capital the equivalent of 69 Wembley football pitches. Green shoots are also beginning to appear in retail environments. FARM:shop, the world s first urban farming hub, opened in Dalston in The shop sells produce harvested from its aquaponic fish farms, rooftop chicken coop and indoor allotment. Francesco Manacorda, former curator of the Barbican, said the shop would bring an emerging kind of art to a wider public: art that is interested in cycles, natural materials, growth and roots, rather than original creations that hang, disconnected, in time and space. The sheer number of gardens springing up across the capital is staggering. There are about three million urban gardens in London, believe it or not, says Carlo Laurenzi, chief executive of the London Wildlife Trust. Laurenzi believes gardening is enjoying a surge in popularity because it helps unite communities. The activity also gives time-poor professionals a chance to restore balance to their increasingly hectic lifestyles. Community horticulture brings people together and, more importantly, it s a distraction to the very busy lives people lead in the capital, he says. Sarah Williams, food growing programme manager at Capital Growth, argues that urban gardening benefits the individual, the environment and wider society, by helping people to improve their wellbeing, counter rising food prices 20 Elephant Park Elephant Park 21

13 Growth Capital and, ultimately, have fun. It also lets people take ownership of where their food comes from. The most significant benefits of growing your own food relate to a deep, inner part of us, which is that we all need, crave and must have connections to the outdoors, adds Wilson of Clifton Nurseries. There is a proven link between health, wellbeing and contact with the outdoors even for those who are diehard city dwellers. Limited space doesn t have to be an issue. In London, you re highly unlikely to become self-sufficient from the food you are able to grow, but what you can do is supplement your weekly shop, says Williams. A good way of tracking just how much money you could save is Capital Growth s Harvest-ometer, a tool launched last year that lets users calculate their This image is for illustrative purposes only 22 Elephant Park garden savings each year. The service reveals how many meals have been grown, in addition to the cash value of those meals. But where to begin? At Elephant Park, Lend Lease is creating communal grow gardens, located on the roof of South Garden Court, creating 40 plots to plant and nurture fruit, vegetables and herbs. The attractive growing space will be maintained through a residents gardening club and it will give people a real opportunity to get to know their neighbours. Williams recommends that those new to gardening start with the basics, such as salad leaves or herbs. Her personal favourites include potatoes, peas and beans. Even though you can pick up potatoes cheaply, there s something about the taste of your own especially when you grow heritage varieties, Williams says. Similarly, the humble pea is appealing because it grows in a beautiful formation. Growing a mix of different crops will increase your chances of success. Focus on perhaps five crops a few simple, a few experimental, Williams suggests. Grow some from seed, some from plant. And think about perennials annual plants that, once established, will be there year after year, so you don t have to start from scratch. Finally, if in doubt, ask around. Gardeners are really forthcoming: they want to share their experiences and help others, says Williams. The rooftop grow gardens in Elephant Park s South Gardens Sarah Williams top 5 produce to grow in London Salad leaves e.g. rocket, spinach Chard Amazing colours and difficult to buy but easy to grow Potatoes These can be grown in bags next to your grow box Strawberries Perennial and a classic summer favourite! Herbs such as rosemary or thyme are perennial and add great fragrance! This image is for illustrative purposes only Download and launch the App. Hold your phone over this page to bring the content to life. difference Material Pascal Mittermaier, director of sustainability EMEA and project director, Elephant & Castle Regeneration at Lend Lease Pascal Mittermaier, explains how intelligent and innovative use of construction materials, paired with cutting-edge architecture, will make a real difference to the quality of life for all Elephant Park residents. Healthy home interiors in Elephant Park South Gardens EP How would you describe the Healthy Homes in Elephant Park? What are the benefits of living in one? PM A Healthy Home is one you would be happy to have your children grow up in a home designed around fresh air and natural light. Our windows will be large enough to ventilate an entire home and our homes will be surrounded by the many trees in London s biggest new park in 70 years. I could quote many famous studies that show how children learn faster and how people in offices work better in environments with ample fresh air and natural light. But those elements make up just one chapter of the Healthy Home concept. We have also ensured the materials we use on features such as kitchens, counters and cabinets, have been reviewed by a Healthy Living specialist. We are only working with paint companies that can assure us their products are non-toxic (very low volatile organic compounds), for example. We are actually testing a new paint, which, through photocatalytic properties, helps remove harmful toxins from the air. And don t forget that you ll also be living in a place where you can walk or cycle to most of the things you need to do. Cycling and walking are among the most important activities you can take part in to stay healthy. And for the times that you may need a car, we are happy to offer the first residents in Elephant Park a free three year membership in a car club. Our focus is on transport that is relevant to living in the heart of a truly modern city. Elephant Park 23

14 Material Difference Lend Lease s CLT tower development Forté in Melbourne, Australia A Healthy Home is one you would be happy to have your children grow up in a home designed around fresh air and natural light. Our windows will be large enough to ventilate an entire home and our homes will be surrounded by the many trees in London s biggest new park in 70 years. EP How are the Healthy Homes connected to parts of the wider development, such as the park? PM There is a clear link between the inside and the outside of our development: indoors, space is divided to maximise natural light and other desirable features; outdoors, our grow gardens encourage people to eat in a healthier way. Our aim is to bring back qualities that have been forgotten or sacrificed over the years. The attention to detail seen in the park on nature, trees, biodiversity is continued with our choice of materials; our scrutiny for toxins and chemical compounds; and our emphasis on the importance of circulating fresh air throughout the home. It s not just about the fact that the inside of your apartment is healthy. Both our indoor and outdoor concepts are tied together. Forté Living area EP Elephant Park uses a number of clever construction materials. What made you choose cross-laminated timber (CLT) for some of the buildings? PM There are several important benefits. First, timber is fundamentally a natural material: as it grows, it captures and locks away carbon; when you cut it down, you can plant new trees. It s a much cleaner, more renewable resource than concrete or steel. Second, a great benefit of CLT is the time saved in construction. The timber is pre-cut in factories and all the pieces arrive on the back of a truck in the right order, and can be very easily assembled on a construction site. For example, it took five builders only 51 days to assemble the CLT structure of the Forté 10-storey tower Lend Lease built in Melbourne, Australia. A concrete structure would have taken four months longer to build. The third benefit is that it s easier to make a an airtight home with CLT that is, one that seals well. Essentially, CLT allows you to pack in much more sustainability for the same price. EP How has CLT evolved over the past few years? PM CLT is already commonplace in Germany, Austria and Scandinavia, but it has yet to hit the mainstream in the UK. We are bringing the technology from the continent to Britain. Elephant Park will be one of the first major residential developments using CLT in the UK for some of its homes. EP What does sustainability mean to you? PM The textbook definition of sustainability is to maximise the way you live now without depriving future generations of the same opportunity. But another way to look at it is this: sustainability only occurs if you can demonstrate you have achieved a benefit to people, planet and profit. Too many times profit is used as the only measure of success. There has to be a winwin-win in all areas for us to view something as sustainable: we must strike a balance between those three components. Focusing on nature and communities will always create a more valuable outcome. This is my passion finding great people, planet, profit outcomes. EP Ultimately, what do you hope to achieve with Elephant Park? PM It would be great if all the projects we are working on became an example to other cities tackling the same issues we face. We ve already had people from Tokyo, Stockholm, Copenhagen and other major cities come to our site to ask how we re doing. It would be amazing if Elephant & Castle were heralded as an example of how cities should design their homes, parks and transport networks in the future. WORLD LEADING PLANS Living at Elephant Park will put you at the heart of a world-leading development, as it is one of just 18 global projects in a flagship programme of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40) that is taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the world s megacities. The C40 Climate Positive Development programme was created in partnership with the Clinton Climate Initiative and aims to make important changes at a local level, in order to solve climate change globally. The programme challenges the world s greenest major urban regeneration projects to become models for the large-scale cityscapes of the future. We have developed a plan to make the Elephant & Castle regeneration Climate Positive by the year The plan looks at how we will use innovation, technology and a commitment to nature and effective management of resources not just in our homes but in the wider community as well. Lend Lease also has two other projects in this programme Barangaroo in Sydney and Victoria Harbour in Melbourne reinforcing our claim to be the world s leading deliverer of sustainable urban regeneration. Lend Lease s Barangaroo development in Sydney, Australia Forté Balcony All images are for illustrative purposes only People Planet Profit 24 Elephant Park Elephant Park 25

15 WORLD ON A PLATE W ON A PLATE Given the diversity of cultural expressions in London more than 100 languages are spoken across 30 of the capital s boroughs it should come as no surprise that the city s buzzing restaurant scene is truly global in outlook. South London, in particular, is a hub of international activity: it brings together vibrant strands of local cuisines from the far corners of the world, from Thailand and northern Spain to England s seaside towns and back. Southwark is a natural meeting point for different cultures. As a result, its food is beautifully nuanced restaurants blend RLD contemporary presentation and flavours with a rich seam of global references. The borough s large and vibrant Latin American community, in particular, brings a genuine warmth to the area, which finds full expression with places such as La Bodeguita a restaurant that captures the nation s colourful, expressive approach to food and offers edible souvenirs from its deli counter. We pay tribute to that variety with a pick of the best international cafés, bars and restaurants in south London, just minutes from Elephant Park. Brasserie & Wine Bar Toulouse Lautrec French Brothers Nolan and Florent Regent have transformed this former English pub into an old-world Parisian brasserie and wine bar, complete with live music. The loft upstairs attracts acclaimed jazz musicians, including award-winning saxophonist Tony Kofi and blues pianist Eric Ranzoni, while the basement dining room, La Cave, serves a tasting menu by candlelight. Steak tartare, slow-cooked pork belly and garlicky snails are among the Gallic staples you ll find here. The chocolate fondant, accompanied by a scoop of pistachio ice cream, is the perfect end to any meal. 140 Newington Butts, London, SE11 4RN +44 (0) Est. India Indian Est. India offers a refined take on Indian street food. Dishes are created with regional flair: note the Keralan chicken curry or its prawn counterpart, which draws on the culinary traditions of West Bengal. The restaurant serves tender lamb chops, kebabs and king prawns, marinated with aromatic spices and roasted in the tandoor oven. The dosas skinny lentil and rice crepes, served with sambar and coconut chutney are a high point. Also good is the kheer, a south Asian rice pudding flavoured with cardamom and saffron Union Street, Flat Iron Square, London, SE1 1SG +44 (0) Baltic Eastern European As its name suggests, Baltic pays homage to eastern Europe, a part of the world that is beginning to shape food culture far beyond its borders. Blinis, pickles and potato pancakes dominate the à la carte menu, which strikes a fine balance between pared-back minimalism and decadence. The cocktail list is a celebration of vodka in all its forms, from Żubrówka (bison grass) in martinis to clean Beluga, muddled with berries. Book one of the private dining rooms for a special event. 74 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8HA +44 (0) Elephant Park Elephant Park 27

16 WORLD ON A PLATE Dragon Castle Cantonese José Spanish José is the eponymous sherry and tapas bar of chef José Pizarro, who is often described as the godfather of Spanish cuisine. Its moreish small plates stretch from crisp croquetas and layers of nutty Ibérico ham to salted Padrón peppers, brought in from Galicia. With just four tables, this small, unassuming bar has an intimate and cosy atmosphere that makes it a welcome retreat from the busy stalls of nearby Borough Market. The décor is rustic and rough-hewn, and the food is comfortingly traditional. A promising alternative to Chinatown s busy dining rooms and barbecue kitchens, Dragon Castle is the place to enjoy exciting Cantonese food. Behind the firehouse-red doors and stone dragons is a spacious restaurant that serves hot platters of stir-fried vegetables, sweet-and-sour king prawns, roast duck and more, alongside a range of homemade dim sum. Celebrate Chinese new year here with a selection of traditional dishes, accompanied by lotus root slices, sea moss and Chinese mushrooms. Adventurous diners should try the steamed eel with black bean sauce. 100 Walworth Road, London, SE17 1JL +44 (0) Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3UB La Bodeguita Latin America This family-run restaurant and delicatessen brings a jolt of Latin America to Elephant & Castle, which is home to London s largest Colombian population. Visitors can enjoy empanadas (stuffed pastries) or zingy ceviche with tropical cocktails. Dishes come with fried plantain, cassava chips and chimichurri, a bright green sauce that enlivens grilled meats. The mood is lively and the setting informal. Try a carajillo (black coffee with brandy or whisky) to revive your spirits on your next shopping trip. Alternatively, return in the evening to take part in the energetic salsa dancing. Elephant & Castle Shopping Centre, London, SE1 6TE +44 (0) Hannah Maule-ffinch We have a mix of cultures around us. Everyone has a choice and, for me, that s very exciting. Diana Sach, owner, La Bodeguita Zucca Italian With its homemade pastas, rich gelati and extensive wine list, this neighbourhood Italian gives guests a taste of la dolce vita without ever having to leave SE Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3TQ +44 (0) Elephant Park Elephant Park 29

17 WORLD ON A PLATE Velo Vietnamese Alchemy Food Market Indian Banh mi baguettes, fragrant pho and lemongrass tofu rolls are just some of the culinary delights on offer at this Vietnamese hotspot, which lets visitors order using state-of-the-art touchscreen kiosks. Sample the many flavours of south Asia at the Southbank Centre s annual festival, which spotlights regional street food from some of the capital s leading chefs. Henna artists and fashion stalls complete the offer. 104 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2TH +44 (0) May Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX The Lobster Pot French Seafood is the focus of The Lobster Pot, a Kennington favourite that opened more than 20 years ago. The menu runs the gamut from grilled sea bass and poached haddock to wonderfully fresh lobster, cooked to order. 3 Kennington Lane, London, SE11 4RG +44 (0) Wahaca Mexican Mexican market eating is the concept behind Wahaca, the colourful restaurant chain co-founded by former Masterchef winner Thomasina Miers. The Waterloo location features recycled railway sleepers on the walls and crunchy, chipotle-tinged tacos on the menu. 119 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8UL +44 (0) I have seen Elephant & Castle get better and better Today, it brings in people from all over the world. Hervé Regent, owner, The Lobster Pot Champor-Champor Malaysian / Thai Malaysian and Thai cuisines collide at Champor-Champor, which flings together exotic ingredients (think papaya, Szechuan peppercorns and sambal) with ease. Best is the beef rendang, cooked in coconut milk and herbs. 62 Weston Street, London, SE1 3QJ +44 (0) Topolski Eastern European Topolski is a new bar and café, set within the former studio of Polish-born artist Feliks Topolski. It offers charcuterie, cured fish and an impressive array of vodka infusions: cucumber, horseradish and tarragon, to name a few Hungerford Arches, Concert Hall Approach, London, SE1 8XU +44 (0) Elephant Park Elephant Park 31

18 WORLD ON A PLATE The Tommyfield British Named after the 19th-century market that housed the UK s first fish and chip shop, The Tommyfield specialises in British classics such as pie and mash, roast beef and sticky toffee pudding. 185 Kennington Lane, London, SE11 4EZ +44 (0) Welcome to Elephant Park GROW IT LOCAL At Elephant Park, we re already cultivating the next generation of local cafés, restaurants and businesses in our pop-up retail space for start-up and creative businesses. Drop into Artworks Elephant from May 2014, located on Elephant Road, at the northern end of the Elephant Park site. Here you can sample the culinary skills and events put on by the likes of and much more! This image is for illustrative purposes only 32 Elephant Park Elephant Park 33

19 AN Extraordinary STORY OF TRANSFORMATION Over the next ten years, the Elephant will become London s most exciting new neighbourhood in a 1.5bn transformation that will evolve and enhance its identity. Lend Lease is working with Southwark Council to restore the area to its rightful place as one of the most dynamic and well-connected places to live in London. As part of this work, by 2025, the area will welcome 3,000 new homes, over 50 shops and Central London s largest new park in over 70 years. London Eye Oxford Street WATErloo BLACKFRIARS Tate modern St Paul s CATHEDRAL THE CITY BANK THE SHARD ONE THE ELEPHANT 284 homes from 2016 ELEPHANT PARK Nearly 2,500 homes by 2025 TRAFALGAR PLACE 235 homes from 2015 This image is for illustrative purposes only 34 Elephant Park Elephant Park 35

20 Our vision is to create a place full of life in Central London s new green heart. A vibrant, established neighbourhood, where everybody loves to belong. An al fresco café in Trafalgar Place In the next two years, Lend Lease will complete the first impressive regeneration sites, One The Elephant and Trafalgar Place. Elephant Park represents the final significant step in this transformation and this decadelong project will cover a vast and green 9.7-hectare area at the heart of Elephant & Castle. The transformation will ensure that the neighbourhood is easier to get to and from, with investment in improved transport links, and cycleways and footpaths that are well-lit and well-looked after so travel is safe and convenient. And it will be greener: far, far greener. At the heart of our development, the brand new park will become an amazing green asset for the people who live and work here not only in terms of having a beautiful place to relax right on the doorstep, but in environmental terms too. The park is one of several ways we ll be tackling air pollution and carbon emissions all of which have contributed to the Elephant & Castle regeneration programme being one of just 18 development projects worldwide that are certified as designed to be climate-positive. The improved Walworth Road High Street Our transformation of the Elephant by 2025: Over 50 new shops and restaurants Nearly 3,000 new homes Central London s largest new park in over 70 years Over 30m invested in transport improvements Up to 100 new cycle-hire bikes Low-carbon energy centre A commitment to at least 1,600 trees, both existing and newly planted A new community leisure centre by spring 2015 All images are for illustrative purposes only 36 Elephant Park An illustrative view of Elephant Park Elephant Park 37