Ahead of our 'Ground-Floor Activation: Repurposing Retail' event, Emma Holt of Ben Adams Architects explores harnessing the transformative potential of Graphite Square.

In the bustling heart of Vauxhall, London, lies a place that was previously unwelcoming, a site characterised by dilapidated buildings that blocked any form of public movement through it. The site is now home to a new scheme that will provide transformative change through urban planning and community engagement in the area once completed.

 

Graphite Square will include 160 new homes with 35% affordable housing, a generous public realm of 1800sqm with spacious courtyards connecting the site from all directions. It will also feature 8000 sqm of office space and amenities for the community.

 

At the core of development, there is an idea of breathing life into a previously sombre space, making it a vibrant hub for community interaction. But how will Graphite Square achieve this?

 

Access for All: One of the pivotal shifts in the site's design was the creation of accessible entrances from all directions. These new pathways break down barriers, fostering movement and connectivity. This renewal of accessibility, where previously there was none, encourages people to move through the space.

 

Equality, Community and Diversity: Graphite Square is not just about building structures, it is about weaving community life. Affordable and private housing stand side by side, demonstrating that quality and inclusivity can coexist. The diversity of space ensures that people from all walks of life can find their place here, engaging in a myriad of ways, and contributing to the ground floor activation.

 

Engagement and Inclusion: Local residents played an essential role in the site's transformation. This engagement revealed critical insights into their daily lives and needs. As a result of the feedback, it led to the removal of security gates that had been originally proposed, promoting a sense of openness, accessibility, and security. Community involvement was key to the success of the project.

 

Café and Church: At the heart of the transformation are additional amenities that will further enrich the Lambeth community. The cafe will act as a socialization hub, a place where residents, workers, and visitors can gather, relax, and interact, enhancing the social fabric of the community. The Methodist Church will be an inclusive and accessible space that will replace the previous underutilised church. As well as a place of worship, it is a multifunctional facility, catering to various community needs and activities. This is not just a building, but a vibrant community space where people can worship, meet, and socialise. Their strategic placement at the ground floor level ensures visibility and accessibility for all.

 

Socialisation Hubs: Throughout Graphite Square, spaces are meticulously designed to encourage social interaction. Open courtyards, integrated seating, and well-placed amenities invite people to hang around, chat, and take in the surroundings. The site will be more than just a space; it will become a place where the community gathers and grows.

Graphite Square is set to be a vibrant and inclusive community hub, showcasing urban revitalisation and community engagement. Through accessible design, diverse spaces, local involvement, and an emphasis on equality and quality, it promises to transform a previously neglected space into a place where the community can gather, thrive, and grow.