Plans to redevelop Skipton House at Elephant and Castle into one of South London’s largest mixed-use schemes have been approved by Southwark councillors.

Developer London & Regional Properties will demolish the vacant seven-storey 1990s office block above the old tube station to make way for four new towers.

Two taller blocks of 30 and 31 storeys will deliver 1,434 purpose-built student rooms, while two smaller towers of 21 and 23 storeys will provide 243 affordable flats.

1890 built tube station will be retained at the site

The affordable homes will be split between 171 for social rent and 72 intermediate homes, including shared ownership and London Living Rent. The mix comprises 77 one-bed, 108 two-bed and 58 three-bed flats.

Designed by HTA Design with Turkington Martin, the project will also includes 1,629 sq m of commercial and community space and a new civic square, Skipton Circus, to ease pedestrian congestion and host community events, markets and performances.

Skipton House office block to be demolished