zaha hadid architects plans vauxhall cross island development in london

UPDATE: in april 2020, it was announced the project had finally been approved by local authorities. ‘this decision is really important for lambeth because of the benefits it delivers,’ said cllr matthew bennett, cabinet member for planning, investment and new homes. ‘it paves the way for new homes, a new town center and extra council flats. as a council we are determined to improve air quality, address the housing crisis, support business and create opportunity for all our communities, including creating 8,000 new jobs in vauxhall. this project contributes to all those goals.’ read more about the project in our original article below.

january 19, 2018: zaha hadid architects (ZHA) has presented plans for a mixed-use development comprising two towers in south london. known as ‘vauxhall cross island’, the project is a hotel and office-led scheme, which also includes new residences and retail outlets. the taller of the two towers is positioned to the south of the site, adjacent to the other tall buildings proposed for the district. the other high-rise is shorter, and marks the northern gateway to vauxhall. a 10-storey podium connects the two towers, framing a new public square.

all images by slashcube, courtesy of zaha hadid architects

ZHA’s proposal also coordinates with plans to build a new bus station in the area, and accommodates new street-level pedestrian crossings and wider pavements. meanwhile, the public square results in a generous public space next to a primary pedestrian route. the architects say that the plaza could potentially host community events and activities throughout the year, from markets to street entertainment and performances.

the mixed-use development comprises two towers of different heights

in total, the development comprises: a new 500+ room hotel; approximately 260 new homes; approximately 220,000 sq ft of office space; and approximately 7,000 sq ft of shopping/dining at street level. importantly, the proposed scheme is estimated to create approximately 2,000 jobs. after initial consultation with local people, businesses, and amenity groups, the development team has now submitted its planning application to lambeth council for consideration. more details on the application can be found here.

the project is a hotel and office-led scheme, which also includes new residences and retail outlets

‘the design responds to lambeth council’s aspirations for a district center for vauxhall by creating a vibrant new public square adjacent to the busy rail, underground and bus interchange,’ says zaha hadid architects. ‘the proposal also accommodates TfL’s (transport for london’s) existing plans to upgrade the traffic gyratory and bus station to provide greater accessibility and safety for all. this proposal will generate approximately 2,000 new jobs in the borough within a mixed-use design that includes a new public square, homes, offices, shops and a hotel – providing vital civic space, amenities and employment for the growing vauxhall community.’

a 10-storey podium connects the two towers, framing a new public square

retail outlets would positioned at ground level

the proposal coordinates with plans to build a new bus station in the area

the development team has submitted a planning application to local authorities

project info:

site owner and developer: VCI property holding limited
development manager: great marlborough estates
development consultant: dais
architects: zaha hadid architects
engineering: buro happold
landscape architects: townshend landscape architects