The ‘Hope in the Square’ competition, organised by New London Architecture and Southwark Council, invites architects, designers, artists, and creative teams to propose innovative solutions for a new green space that celebrates youth and community in the heart of Peckham.

The scheme is part of a headline-grabbing wider revamp of the area around Will Alsop-designed Stirling Prize-winning Peckham Library, which will see the controversial removal of the 1990s Peckham Arch.

The project will reimagine the ‘garden zone’ in the square, delivering a new ‘dynamic and vibrant’ feature that will honour the legacy of the local schoolboy Damilola Taylor, who was murdered aged 10, and the work of his family and the Hope Collective, which was formed originally to support the 20th anniversary legacy campaign for Damilola Taylor.

The aim is to create a permanent, garden-like space that fosters reflection, positivity, and community engagement.

Rosa Rogina, head of collaborate at NLA, said: ‘This competition offers an opportunity to enact a meaningful impact on the local area, with its residents, and an incredibly important cause front and centre. We’re honoured to be playing a part in this public space, and we’re looking forward to seeing the submissions.’

Portia Mwangangye, Southwark councillor and cabinet member for leisure, parks and young people, said: ‘Peckham Square is a vibrant hub for local people, so we are excited to be reaching this milestone.

‘Through this competition, we want to create a welcoming feature in the space that celebrates the creativity of our young people, while honouring the legacy of Damilola Taylor and the work of his family.

‘We’re excited to invite designers and artists to work with us and our residents to help shape a space that brings hope and connection for many years to come. The inclusive garden-like area is part of plans to revitalise Peckham Square, ensuring it continues to act as a focus for the community in the years ahead.’

Peckham Square, originally planned in the early 1990s, is a prominent civic space in the centre of Peckham surrounded by landmarks such as the Will Alsop-designed Stirling Prize-winning Peckham Library and Peckham Pulse Leisure Centre.

The square is currently undergoing a £7 million redevelopment as part of the Southwark Stands Together flagship programme, aiming to create a vibrant, inclusive, and accessible meeting place for local residents and visitors.

Proposals for Peckham Square drawn up by Graeme Massie Architects and Scott Whitby Studio are expected to be submitted for planning this summer. A 35m canopy structure known as the Peckham Arch, designed by John McAslan, which has sat at the entrance to the square since 1994, will be removed under the plans.

Proposals for the new garden will be expected to deliver a visually striking and engaging green space; respond to the local context and neighbourhood; and be inclusive and welcoming to people of all ages, especially young people.

Concepts must also reflect the cultural heritage and diversity of Peckham; be informed by the voices and perspectives of local youth groups; and exemplify inclusivity, sustainability, and minimal maintenance requirements.

Potential design components could include sculptural elements, public art, seating, soft planting, paving treatments, and lighting installations. Designs must retain four existing trees and integrate with wider upgrades to Peckham Square, including new paving and refurbishment of public artworks such as the Peckham Peace Wall.

Round one submissions should include team profiles, examples relevant experience, and an initial vision with no design work required. Up to six shortlisted teams will each receive an honorarium of £1,500 + VAT to develop their concepts further.

The overall winner, to be announced in October 2025, will receive a budget of up to £100,000 + VAT to consult, develop, and deliver the final design, with installation planned for next year.