Housing & Development
Renovation of Historic Railway Arches Underway
Southbank’s iconic railway arches are undergoing transformation, balancing preservation with modern retail and workspace ambitions.
7 May 2025 at 8:46
By By Emily Clarke
Beneath the rumble of passing trains and the bustle of Southbank, historic railway arches are being given a new lease of life. The long-standing structures that once stored coal and housed mechanical workshops are undergoing a modern transformation into retail spaces, cafés, and creative work hubs.
Network Rail, in partnership with local developers, is spearheading the project. Their aim is to revitalise underutilised urban infrastructure while preserving the heritage embedded in London’s railway history. The project spans arches from Blackfriars to Waterloo, affecting over two dozen spaces.
The refurbishment involves cleaning and reinforcing brickwork, upgrading utilities, and making the spaces compliant with modern safety and accessibility standards. Many of the arches had fallen into disrepair, suffering from damp, graffiti, and illegal dumping in recent years.
Local businesses have already begun to move in. An artisan bakery, a bicycle repair shop, and a craft beer taproom are among the first tenants to sign leases. Rents are reportedly lower than traditional storefronts, making them attractive to independent traders and start-ups.
'This is about giving forgotten spaces a second chance,' said Marnie Blake, project manager for the scheme. 'We want the arches to be places where creativity and commerce meet in one of London’s most historic quarters.'
While the initiative has drawn praise, there have also been concerns about gentrification. Some worry that trendy retail ventures could drive up rents in surrounding areas and displace long-standing community institutions.
To address these fears, the project has earmarked a portion of the units for social enterprises and non-profits. One of the arches will be home to a community arts gallery, offering discounted exhibition space to local artists and schools.
The work has not been without challenges. Engineers encountered asbestos in one section and had to pause work for several weeks to ensure safe removal. Access for large machinery has also been a logistical hurdle due to the narrow, enclosed layout of the spaces.
Funding for the renovation comes from a mix of public regeneration grants and private investment. The Mayor’s Office has backed the project as part of its wider plan to enhance walkability and activate underused corridors across the capital.
Local councillors have hailed the project as a model for sustainable urban reuse. 'Rather than tearing down and rebuilding, this is about working with what we’ve got — and that’s something Southbank can be proud of,' said Councillor Anwar Shah.
As scaffolding comes down and signs go up, passers-by are beginning to take notice. The railway arches, once cloaked in neglect, are becoming points of curiosity and even pride. Children peer through the gates, wondering what’s opening next.
With the full rollout expected by late 2025, the transformed arches may soon become another signature feature of the Southbank — where past and present converge in brick and ambition.