The CRICKETERS, Kennington Oval
We were part of the team advising on the redevelopment of the site to provide a part 6/part 4 storey building with residential units and public house at ground floor. It involved the demolition of the former pub building that has been rundown and boarded up since 2003.
After its initial refusal and subsequent re-consultation, the 2019 application was finally approved by London Borough of Lambeth in June 2024.
The Heritage report was prepared to replace the derelict public house with a contemporary mid-scale block at the corner of Kensington Oval and Clayton Street. The site is on the edge of the Kennington Conservation Area and abuts a listed Victorian gasholder, so it has high heritage implications. The Cricketers is a former pub, known as the Clayton Arms (pre-1826), rebuilt in around 1935 and subsequently renamed in 1966.
The area has a rich history dating back to the 14th century and contains a mix of grand houses, tenement and apartment blocks, as well as green open spaces and gardens. The character of an industrial neighbourhood is contrast with Oval cricket Ground, Kennington Park, some old schools/ churches and 1970’s estates.
Our assessment of the architectural and historical significance of these local factors highlighted the heritage issues that the new would need to address. The subsequent proposal has general scale and height that takes into account the sensitivity of this location. The massing means the new building will be in line with the adjacent buildings and relate well to the setting of the Oval and historic gasholders.