Propping Up Peckham: What Should Go Under Frank's?

By Zoe Craig Last edited 103 months ago
Propping Up Peckham: What Should Go Under Frank's?
Frank's Campari Bar, Peckham. Photo by M@

Fans of car parks and Campari: rejoice. Frank's Cafe, Peckham's rooftop bar, and Bold Tendencies, the art space that surrounds it, are staying for five more years.

And so today Southwark Council has turned its attention to the rest of the building. Visitors to Frank's will know that the rest of Peckham's famous multi-storey currently simply poses an under-used, unfragrant obstacle to be overcome on the way to the views, booze (and queues) at the top.

Now the search is on to find someone to manage the six floors below. They're hoping for someone in the creative industries to create workshop space for budding businesses, affordable studios for local artists, and food and drink places to complement the existing bar on the roof.

The space that's now looking for some management. Photo by M@

This news will perhaps provide some relief to the local residents currently fighting the destruction of buildings around Peckham Rye station with the loss of artists' spaces and local shops. (Read more about the Gateway to Peckham project here.)

Applicants have until September to apply, with the results being announced in October. Unfortunately, any winners will only have a temporary stay. Cllr Mark Williams, cabinet member for gentrification regeneration and new homes, reminds applicants: "the site is still earmarked for development in the long term."

Let's not forget the fact that the Eye was a temporary structure once. And the Eiffel Tower, too.

We'd like to hear your ideas about the rest of the car park below Frank's. What would you like to see in the space? Let us know in the comments below.

Last Updated 03 August 2015