Garages set to be transformed into new shopping arcade for Elephant and Castle

Un-used garages beneath a council housing block at Elephant and Castle could soon become a shiny new shopping area if council plans go ahead.The space beneath Perronet House is split into two garage areas, one of which is in use with garages let to local residents. The other garage area was previously partially let to the Princess Street medical practice, and part has recently been converted into the St George’s pharmacy which serves the local community.Southwark Council is proposing to convert 12 un-used parking spaces in the closed southern garage area into 11 retail units plus a community café with an entrance diagonally opposite the Bakerloo line station.The proposal would provide local convenience shops for people living and working in the area and be affordable retail spaces for local independent traders; with priority going to traders who will need to move out of the nearby shopping centre while it is being redeveloped.The new shopping arcade would also help enhance the street and reduce anti-social behaviour and rough sleeping in the currently un-used garages.