The redevelopment of Elephant & Castle has not been without controversy over the years. In particular, Lendlease’s redevelopment of the Heygate Estate faced stringent opposition from the 35% Campaign, which argued that the 25% affordable housing quota agreed on the project was insufficient.

Ultimately, the campaign failed to get the volume of affordable housing increased at the south London scheme, although it did manage to force the publication of the viability report for the project, albeit with some elements redacted. Arguably, that case paved the way for greater transparency when it came to viability, but it also had limited local impact.

Once the hubbub calmed, Lendlease was able to get on with the matter at hand and is around half way through its development programme. Now, however, the second-largest element of the wider regeneration of the area, Delancey’s redevelopment of the Elephant & Castle shopping centre, is facing a legal challenge, again by the 35% Campaign.