New picture postcards of Walworth Road show the higgledy-piggledy mile-long stretch of historical buildings, which a community group hopes will earn it a listing as a Conservation Area.
An application has been submitted to Southwark Council to list the road as an “area of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which is desirable to preserve or enhance.”
The Walworth Society has spent two years gathering sources to prove that the bustling high-street is worth preserving as it has notable surviving examples of early 19th to mid-20th century buildings.
“We’ve been amazed at what rich history there is along the Walworth Road. It shows the development of our high streets,” said Jeremy Leach, chair of the Walworth Society. “The whole story of retail life is told in the Walworth Road.”
If granted, the Conservation Area would mean new developments would have to conform to certain design criteria and the Walworth Society could apply for funding from the Heritage Lottery to support local shopkeepers to restore their premises.
An event will be held tonight for members of the public to find out more about the proposals at Inspire the Crypt, St Peter’s, Liverpool Grove between 4pm to 6.30pm
The Walworth Road Conservation Area application is open to public consultation until December 31. You can view the details at www.southwark.gov.uk reference 15/AP/4191.