British Land and AustralianSuper have appointed Wates to build a mixed-use development on the former site of a post-industrial South London superclub.
The Printworks was a nightclub in Rotherhithe described as “London’s most ambitious and visually impressive new venue for electronic music”.
The scheme is designed by Hawkins Brown, and Wates will retain the original structural frame to build a modern development around it. Initial work includes demolition, site clearance and investigation works under a pre-construction services agreement.
Subject to planning permission, 50% of the new building will become a “world-class workspace” called The Grand Press, while the remaining area will be a “global cultural venue”.
Canada Water Masterplan
The Printworks operated as a nightclub from 2017 until its closure in May 2023, when Southwark Council approved British Land’s redevelopment plans.
The Printworks had an overall capacity of 6,000 people. It was named after building’s former use as a printing plant, which printed newspapers, including the Daily Mail and Evening Standard, until 2012, when it was acquired by British Land.
The project is part of the Canada Water Masterplan – a joint venture between British Land and Australia’s largest pension fund AustralianSuper, in partnership with Southwark Council, to create a “new town centre for London”.
Phase 1 of the Canada Water Masterplan is expected to be completed in Q3 of this year.
