The proposed 0.18 hectare development will be located on the eastern side of Blackfriars Road. Option one, which Linden Homes has said is its preferred option, sets out plans for a building which will comprise 206 flats, including shared ownership and social housing. It would range in height from seven to 11 to 27 storeys. It will also have new pedestrian open space at ground level. Linden Homes said that this option will deliver "greater contributions to community funds".
Option two comprises 123 flats, with a mix of private and affordable housing. This building would be up to 15 storeys high. This option also has opportunities for shops at ground floor level and will provide pavement improvements.
Linden Homes has named a number of key benefits to choosing option one, including new green spaces at ground level, an extension of the pocket park on Surrey Row and landscaping along Pocock Street. Whilst both options will deliver some affordable housing, option one will have additional affordable homes, the developer said.
"This site is located within the cultural hub of South Bank and Bankside and has fantastic transport connections being close to the new Blackfriars Station," said planning manager at Linden Homes, Ben Johnson.
"The site is in need of regeneration and we believe there is an opportunity to do something special here. We have spent the last few months talking to local people and are keen to incorporate their ideas. Unusually for developers, we are presenting two schemes, to give people more choice," he said.
"Our preferred scheme is for a tall building which brings more benefits for the local community, with more affordable housing, more public space and additional community and cultural facilities," he said.
Linden Homes bought the site from Southwark Council last year. It is expecting to submit a planning application for the chosen scheme later this year.