The Low Line is an ongoing urban regeneration initiative that brings to life the Victorian railway viaduct connecting diverse neighbourhoods through Bankside, London Bridge, and Bermondsey.

The Low Line is an urban regeneration initiative that brings the Victorian railway viaduct connecting neighbourhoods in Bankside, London Bridge, and Bermondsey to life.

Through rejuvenating arches and adjacent urban realm, the Low Line is creating new opportunities for innovation, interaction, culture and biodiversity. It celebrates the heritage of the railway which has dominated the cityscape for almost 200 years, shaping places of interest along the way and unlocking potential.

The Low Line was coined by Southwark resident David Stephens in 2014. Ten years on and the partnership, commitment and investment continue apace.

This long-term project is underpinned in Southwark’s planning policy to facilitate economic growth and improve permeability along the viaduct. Good and inclusive governance has been exercised through a core partnership, a Friends of the Low Line group, involvement in localised projects and development of strateg documents.

Interventions along the Low Line are varied, adding new layers of creativity in response to adjoining spaces and communities, with events, walks and activities galvanising interest from far afield.

BIDs and Southwark Council have delivered wayfinding, public spaces, art, greening and arch spaces for culture, employment and consolidated logistics, as well as low-traffic areas for walking and cycling. The Arch Company is investing in bringing new arches into use, revealing the character of sites like London Bridge Island, and supporting their tenants in creating employment via diverse businesses, from new distilleries and creative industries to more traditional local traders.

The first ‘new’ sections of the Low Line opened at Union Yard Arches and Flat Iron Square, complementing established hubs like Borough Market, Ropewalk, and Spa Terminus.

This year, Lambeth and Wandsworth have launched an extension of the Low Line, bringing opportunities for new partnerships, initiatives and placemaking across South London.

Russell Dryden, Blue Bermondsey BID Manager said:

“The viaduct is such an important part of Bermondsey’s history and the Low Line project is bringing more and more people to visit our area and help regeneration. It’s not just about the arches and the railway, the Low Line community is about partners learning from each other and building new connections as we go.”