London scheme revamped to house stunning Roman mosaics

Landsec and Places for London have secured planning consent for a major London Bankside office-led development after design changes to protect the site’s Roman history.The Liberty of Southwark plans, first approved in 2021, have been amended to ensure remains of a Roman mausoleum and mosaics found on the site in the last two years could be uncovered and embedded into the building.The amendments also include a second staircase and lift lobby to meet updated building regulations.Landsec said it would now look for a main contractor to deliver the 190,000 sq ft project with a view to starting construction later this year.Located a stone’s throw from London Bridge station and Borough Market, The Liberty of Southwark will provide a 190,000 sq ft net zero office building, targeting BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Platinum ratings.Marcus Geddes, Managing Director – Workplace at Landsec said: “This latest planning consent will enable us to bring new life to what’s been a largely underutilised site, while enhancing our pipeline of sustainable, well-connected workplaces in the vibrant community of Bankside.“The addition of a community space to celebrate the site’s incredible history will create a new place to work and spend time, attracting people from near and far, boosting activity for local businesses and creating more value for London’s economy.”The plans will restore heritage building, 15 Southwark Street, to its original use with retail on the ground floor and commercial workspace above. The approved plans also deliver 34 new homes, 50% of which will be affordable housing, helping to address the shortage that exists in Southwark today.