The money will be made available under the Heritage Lottery Fund Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) grants programme - set up to provide much needed investment for communities to improve and regenerate the historic built environment for the benefit of local residents, workers and visitors.

The five-year Peckham Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) scheme will see 44 of the most important historic buildings on Peckham High Street and Rye Lane shortlisted for a grant to repair damaged facades, reinstate lost historic features and install high quality traditional windows and shop fronts. Owners will also be encouraged to bring vacant floor space in the upper floors back into use to support the local economy and provide much needed housing.

The grant will also enable the council and its partners in the community to put in place a programme of complementary initiatives centred on the better knowledge and enjoyment of this important historic town centre. It aims to bring wider benefits to the community of Peckham with a unique set of complementary initiatives including traditional building skills, improved knowledge of the history of the area and a celebration of its heritage. The project will enable voluntary groups like Peckham Vision and the Peckham Society to help the council deliver among other things an education programme for local schools; a traditional building skills and apprenticeships initiative for young people; information and guidance about the historic town centre; and a ‘Celebrate Peckham’ programme.

Sue Bowers, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund London said: “Investing Lottery money to revitalise historic buildings at the heart of a community not only makes a place more attractive to live, visit and invest in, it also provides jobs and training opportunities for local people. We are delighted to make this award to Peckham as part of our on-going commitment to preserving London’s heritage.”

Peckham is an inner-city area in south London with a densely built-up townscape. It developed from a rural hamlet to a metropolitan satellite and place of resort in the 18th century before succumbing to suburbanisation in the 19th century. Historically it has been well connected to central London, served by a branch of the Grand Surrey Canal from the 1820s and suburban railway lines from the 1860s, as well as buses and trams. Industry was present, particularly around the canal, although never dominant. The principal economic focus of central Peckham since the late-19th century has been as a shopping centre. The historic settlement grew up around Peckham High Street, Peckham Hill Street and Rye Lane which still form its main road network.

Although an area that suffers from social problems and economic deprivation, it is also a lively and culturally mixed place with a diverse built environment.

Councillor Mark Williams (Cabinet Member for Regeneration at Southwark Council) said: “I'm delighted that the council has been successful in securing a £1.675m grant for Peckham’s historic townscape. This demonstrates the council’s commitment to conservation-led regeneration for Peckham and complements the investment at Peckham Rye Station. Peckham Town Centre was rightly designated as a conservation area and this grant will help us preserve and enhance its historic character.”

Notes to editors

About the Townscape Heritage programme
THIs encouraged partnerships of local organisations to carry out repairs and other works to a number of historic buildings, structures or spaces. On 25 March 2013 the programme was re-launched as Townscape Heritage with grants now available from £100,000 up to £2m. HLF supports partnerships of local, regional and national interests that aim to regenerate economically disadvantaged historic areas for the benefit of local residents, workers and visitors. To date, HLF has invested over £214m regenerating towns and cities that have suffered serious social and economic decline.

Further information

Southwark Council: Catherine Simonds, Media Manager on 020 7525 7306, mobile: 07852 541 731.