Construction of THE BeCa, a new residential landmark in Southwark, has reached a key milestone with the topping out of the first core on site. The development, the first major residential phase of the wider Ruby Triangle masterplan, is being built on the former Carpetright warehouse site at 651–657 Old Kent Road and forms part of the Opportunity Area set to deliver thousands of new homes and jobs over the coming years.
Avanton are working with Southwark Council on the Old Kent Road regeneration plan, which will guide and manage new development and growth in the area over the next 20 years. The plan aims to create a new high street environment for the Old Kent Road, with significant public transport improvements supported by mixed use development, incorporating thousands of new homes, including affordable homes, new jobs, community facilities and new parks, alongside the potential extension of the Bakerloo Line. In addition, 31 apprentices so far have been working on site with HG Construction in collaboration with Southwark Council, supporting local skills and employment as the scheme progresses.
THE BeCa brings Tribeca-style loft living with exposed brick, high ceilings and open plan layouts that combine industrial chic with modern comfort. Residents will enjoy a concierge, gym and rooftop terraces, while benefiting from excellent links to Bermondsey, Peckham and Elephant and Castle.
Work on site is progressing steadily, the superstructure has risen above podium level with the first core now at full height and the second core on track to top out in early spring. Brickwork and window installation are advancing, while interior fit out continues across the lower levels with HG Construction delivering the build.
Designed by Farrells, the two towers will rise to 19 and 15 storeys, delivering 292 homes, including 64 social rented apartments and 16 hotel rooms, as part of a £160 million GDV scheme. THE BeCa will contribute to over 1,100 homes across the site, alongside commercial space, amenities and new publicly accessible areas.
A formal topping out ceremony is planned for early spring to mark the completion of the second core and celebrate progress with partners and stakeholders. The marketing suite will also open, with a further release of homes planned in the New Year.
Chris Cobham, Development Director, Avanton: “Reaching this milestone at THE BeCa is hugely rewarding. The team has been working hard behind the scenes to bring this to life with years of planning, design and coordination now producing quality homes, new public spaces and a vibrant community that will help reshape Old Kent Road. This is a shared achievement with our partners and Southwark Council and an exciting step towards delivering the Ruby Triangle masterplan. I look forward to the topping out ceremony in the new year.”
Adam Quinn, CEO, HG Construction: “THE BeCa continues to progress at pace – now reaching topping out stage on the 15-storey West block. HG is internally delivering piling, concrete frames, drylining, bathroom pods and mechanical and electrical services on the scheme, enabling us to secure programme, environmental and quality benefits. We have an excellent team in place to deliver this project, and we look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Avanton to deliver this high-quality development which will make a significant contribution to the regeneration of the Old Kent Road.”