COMMUNITY NEWS
FIRST SHOPS CONFIRMED.
openingsThe Elephant reveals its first wave of retailers including M&S, Blank Street Coffee, DistriAndina, and a five-screen cinema.
CORSICA STUDIOS GOES DARK.
cultureCorsica Studios closed on 29 March after 23 years in two railway arches on Elephant Road. It plans to reopen with soundproofing upgrades and a long-term lease.
FINAL PHASE. 959 HOMES.
developmentSouthwark Council approves the third and final phase of the Elephant & Castle regeneration, adding 959 homes and a 20,000 sq ft cultural venue.
NEW SQUARE. NEW NAME.
communityThe Elephant's new public square is officially named Dr Belfield Clarke Square after the pioneering Black doctor who practised on the site for over 45 years.
MERCATO STAYS. FOR NOW.
communityMercato Metropolitano confirms it will trade through the end of 2026 before making way for the Borough Triangle development.
LOCKED OUT. THEN LET BACK IN.
communityFour Castle Square food traders were locked out over unpaid electricity bills, then reinstated after community protests and council intervention.
NEW BUS. 367,000 TRIPS.
transportThe BL1 Bakerloop express bus launched in late September 2025, running Waterloo to Lewisham via Elephant & Castle and Old Kent Road. 367,000 passengers in the first 10 weeks.
NEW TUBE ENTRANCE TAKES SHAPE.
transportThe concrete station box for Elephant & Castle's new Northern line entrance was completed and handed to TfL in mid-2025. Step-free access and 30% more capacity expected by 2027.
LATIN QUARTER. OFFICIAL.
communitySouthwark Council formally committed to recognising Elephant & Castle as a Latin American quarter, with plans for a Latin Boulevard along Elephant Road.