£1.5m restoration of hidden heritage gem behind London Bridge Station begins

04 Oct 20233 min read

We are investing over £1.5 million to revive two derelict Grade II listed railway arches on Crucifix Lane, situated just 400 metres southeast of London Bridge station, creating new spaces for businesses to thrive.

With works already underway, the investment will breathe new life into these neglected spaces and provide a blank canvas for restaurants, cafes, bars, and other leisure businesses looking to contribute to the local community and economy.

The spaces are being developed to meet high sustainability standards, with both arches projected to achieve an EPC 'B' rating. New energy efficient measures include the integration of LED lighting, an energy-efficient air source heat pump AC unit, the installation of new glazing and louvring, complete lining of all arch spaces, and the incorporation of new insulation. Works are expected to complete in Spring next year.

Craig McWilliam, our CEO said,

"We anticipate high demand for these unique spaces within striking distance of London Bridge Station. Our retrofitting scheme at Crucifix Lane is part of Project 1000, our £200m plan bringing a thousand empty or derelict spaces into use across England and Wales by 2030.”

Built between 1864 and 1866, the arches were designed by Charles Henry Driver, a prominent Victorian architect recognised for his work with figures like Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Joseph Bazalgette, whose architectural portfolio also includes the Abbey Mills and Crossness Pumping Station. Driver’s railway arches on Crucifix Lane are noteworthy due to their Victorian features, including patterns crafted from different coloured bricks and elaborate stone carvings.

In more recent history, these arches became a well-loved nightclub, going by the name of Happy Jacks and later Jacks. The arches hosted the Chemical Brothers' first London show in 1994 and were also the backdrop for the music video to the 2005 global hit 'I Like the Way' by duo BodyRockers. In 2015, the area was closed off to facilitate the London Bridge Station expansion and the arches have remained dormant until now.

Tim Hedley-Jones, Executive Director of the Railway Heritage Trust said,

“The Railway Heritage Trust is delighted to support the sympathetic restoration of these facades which are a further example of the Trust and The Arch Company working together to provide a long-term sustainable future for our railway heritage."

Nadia Broccardo, Chief Executive of Team London Bridge said,

“We welcome The Arch Company’s investment in this key heritage asset and are enthused by their commitment to develop sustainable spaces within the arches. It will pave the way for businesses who are looking to create a vibrant future for London Bridge and along the Low Line”.

The redevelopment scheme is a part our £200m development plan, Project 1000, which is bringing a thousand empty or derelict spaces into use across England and Wales by 2030. Project 1000 is one of the biggest commercial property retrofit projects in London.

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