The dynamic transformation of Elephant and Castle.

APL Formwork supplied their own manufactured GS2 formwork system. All deliveries are pre-slung to ensure quick and efficient equipment lifting upon arrival.

Reduced to rubble in 2020 in anticipation of a new development, Elephant and Castle in London is becoming a modernised town centre that embraces community.

It started in 2020 when the Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre closed after 55 years, and the demolition of all existing buildings and structures began.

APL Formwork Ltd was engaged early in the project, and today, this dynamic redevelopment is still ongoing. The project consists of a diverse range of buildings, with heights varying from single-storey structures to impressive 34-storey skyscrapers. These buildings will have multi-level and single basements and will serve a multitude of purposes, including 1,000 new homes, shops, offices, educational facilities, assembly halls, and leisure amenities, as well as a new tube station.

Delivering projects on time is critical to success in the construction industry. As a trusted formwork partner, APL works in close collaboration with site teams to ensure the project stays on track and within budget.

Sean Burton, our Director of Sales, talks about the project:

“Our company culture is one of doing what’s needed to help our customers deliver a successful project. We see ourselves as an extension of the site team, which has proven to work very well. The Elephant and Castle project is impressive – we’re proud to be involved, and we are always here to support with kit for hire or sale and refurbishments when needed”.

With a high-paced project like this, rapid support and delivery are paramount. Our dedicated team have so far loaded over 20 silver FORS artic vehicles with the efficient and versatile GS2 formwork system. All our deliveries are pre-slung to ensure quick and efficient lifting of equipment upon arrival.

Images of the Elephant and Castle site, with our own manufactured GS2 system.

A revitalised community

This project aims to enhance the existing community space and provide a welcoming experience for residents and visitors in a revitalised environment.

The ongoing transformation includes not only the construction of buildings, access points, public spaces, and landscaping but also the development of parking and cycle storage facilities, as well as plant and servicing areas. Additionally, various associated and ancillary works and structures are undergoing significant changes.

Most importantly, the new town centre will also bring local jobs and workspace, creating 1,230 construction jobs for the next ten years and approximately 2,000 full-time jobs once the development is completed.

The new town centre will rejuvenate the wider area, ensuring Elephant and Castle remains one of London’s most dynamic and vibrant destinations for years to come.

Source: Elephant and Castle.

Case study overview

Elephant and Castle Town Centre is a mixed-use development on the former shopping centre site in London SE1 comprised in three stages.

The scheme will create a new town centre for Elephant and Castle with excellent transport links, first-class shopping, new homes to rent, enhanced public spaces and cultural offerings, alongside a new cutting-edge campus for UAL’s London College of Communication.

The new Elephant and Castle town centre includes:

• A new market area called Castle Square has already opened.
• Upgrades to the Tube station.
• A brand-new campus for the London College of Communication
• A variety of retail, hospitality and leisure spaces
• Nearly 1000 new homes are available for rent, more than a third of which will be classed as affordable housing.
• The whole project is around £432m.

APL SUPPLIED

• APL supplied the GS2 Shoring System, including legs, frames, aluminium beams, and accessories for the casting of concrete slabs.
• More than 20 artic vehicles loaded with hire equipment, all pre-slung for quick and safe lifting on site.
• The customer had a tight schedule with a changing requirement of equipment.  Our dedicated support team worked closely with site personnel to keep the project on track.
• Rapid next-day deliveries to site.

APL Formwork is a well-established full-service UK partner for the formwork industry, providing all aspects in-house: Manufacturing, repair, refurbishment, cleaning, hire and sales. We offer next-day delivery in the UK with FORS Silver accredited transport.