Summary
The new London College of Communication building, part of the University of the Arts London (UAL), has reached its highest point in construction in Elephant and Castle. The facility, set to open in September 2027, will accommodate over 5,000 students and 500 staff. The building will offer spaces for teaching, media production, design, and events, with public access on the first two floors. This project is part of a larger redevelopment in Elephant and Castle, which includes homes, shops, and leisure spaces. The development is backed by a £4 billion investment, with some homes designated as affordable.
The new London College of Communication building, part of the University of the Arts London (UAL), has reached its highest point in construction this week, 60 years after the original building in Elephant and Castle opened its doors to students. The new facility will open in September 2027 and will accommodate over 5,000 students and more than 500 staff.
A Practical Space for Learning and Community
The new building will provide space for students, staff and the wider community. It is being delivered by Get Living, a build-to-rent operator, in collaboration with Delancey, Multiplex and UAL. The site will include areas for teaching, media production and design, as well as a cinema. The first two floors will be open to the public, with rooms for events and exhibitions.
Progress on Construction
As of October 2024, the building has reached its highest point. The next stage will make the structure weathertight, with the main work due to finish by January 2025. The project reached this stage with the support of many groups, including local government, the construction team and those in creative industries. To mark the occasion, The Elephant and UAL held a ceremony attended by Neil Coyle, MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, and Mayor of Southwark, Cllr Naima Ali.
Part of a Wider Development
The London College of Communication building is part of The Elephant, a new development that replaces the old Elephant and Castle Town Centre. The wider project is backed by £4 billion of public and private investment. Alongside the new college, the area will have shops, restaurants, leisure spaces and homes, including 337 designated as affordable.
The final phase of the project, called the West Site, will provide 507 new homes. Of these, 49 will be for affordable rent and 116 for social rent. There will also be student accommodation to ease demand on the local housing market.
A View from Those Involved
Rick de Blaby, CEO of Get Living, said: “The new UAL building for London College of Communication is a key part of the wider changes in Elephant and Castle. It will bring a large student population into the area, helping to make it a lively and creative place.”
Professor Karen Stanton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of UAL, said: “The new building is a sign of UAL’s commitment to London College of Communication and the people who live here. As we reach this stage, staff are already planning how to make the most of the space to inspire the next generation of creative talent and work with the local community.”
The London College of Communication has been in Elephant and Castle since 1962. This new building will ensure it remains part of the area’s future, supporting students and local people for years to come.
Photos of the New UAL Building in Elephant and Castle
As construction progresses, the vision for the new London College of Communication building is becoming clearer. The following visual representation provides a glimpse of how the completed development will fit within the evolving landscape of Elephant and Castle. It reflects the scale, design and integration of the new campus with its surroundings, including public spaces, residential areas and transport links.
When Will the New UAL Building Open?
The new London College of Communication building at Elephant and Castle is scheduled to open in September 2027. By this time, all construction and interior work will be complete, and students and staff will move in. The relocation process from the current site will take place earlier in 2027, ensuring a smooth transition before the official opening. From this date, all academic activities will take place in the new facility.
Project Timeline
2013: Project Launch
Architects are appointed to design the external structure of the new building as part of the wider Elephant and Castle Town Centre redevelopment.
July 2018: Planning Permission Granted
Southwark Council approves plans for the redevelopment, which includes the new London College of Communication building.
October 2022: Construction Begins
Site preparation starts in 2020, with construction on the new college building beginning in October 2022.
Summer 2024: Topping Out
The building reaches its full height, marking a key milestone in the construction process.
December 2024: Building Weathertight
By the end of 2024, the structure will be sealed with the installation of the roof.
Early 2026: Shell and Core Completed
The main structural work, including external walls, staircases and lift shafts, will be finished.
Autumn 2026: Interior Fit-Out Completed
Work on the interior spaces will be completed, preparing the building for use.
August 2027: Final Preparations
Installation of furniture, testing of building systems and relocation from the existing site will take place.
September 2027: Official Opening
Students and staff will move into the new London College of Communication building, marking the start of a new chapter for UAL at Elephant and Castle.