05.12.2025 Update on Castle Square
Castle Square sits at the heart of Elephant & Castle, and we’re committed to keeping its diverse, independent character central to The Elephant.
Over recent weeks, we have worked closely with Southwark Council to establish a fair and sustainable pathway for the four traders to return to Castle Square. As part of our commitment to find a solution, we have offered new 12-month leases that reflect the temporary nature of Castle Square’s planning permission and written off electricity charges from 2020–2021, while extending the response deadline, giving them extra time to review and consider the updated terms.
We are now pleased to confirm that two traders have agreed new leases and will soon return to trade at Castle Square. The two other remaining traders, have chosen not to take up the option of a new lease, and Get Living has confirmed that we will be writing off all of their outstanding arrears. Our focus has always been to resolve matters constructively and support local businesses wherever possible.
Castle Square continues to be a vital part of Elephant and Castle, and we actively champion traders year-round, through our busy programme of promotions and community events that drive footfall, most notably the twice-yearly Urban Elephant festivals, which consistently attract over a thousand visitors to Castle Square on event days, alongside free seasonal activations throughout the year. We are proud of our active engagement with traders through regular forums and direct contact, focused on listening, problem‑solving and practical support to keep day‑to‑day trading running smoothly.
Looking ahead, The Elephant will deliver significant local benefits, including new homes, restaurants and shops, a new university campus for the London College of Communication, workspace, leisure and cultural facilities, a new London Underground ticket hall enabled for the Bakerloo line extension and public realm. As these plans come forward, we’ll keep championing Castle Square – highlighting traders and events through our monthly updates and regular promotional activity to help drive footfall. Our focus remains on partnership: supporting traders to succeed and ensuring Castle Square and The Elephant continues to thrive as a welcoming, vibrant destination for the community.
Q&A on Castle Square
What’s happening with the traders at Castle Square?
We’ve been working through a few long-standing payment issues with a small number of traders. Following constructive discussions with Southwark Council, we are now pleased to have put forward an agreement offering Castle Square traders a pathway to return under a framework that is fair and sustainable. For the past 18 months, we have been actively engaging in open dialogue with all parties involved to ensure a balanced outcome, and this new proposed agreement represents a constructive solution we are offering to traders, giving them the opportunity to return under updated terms. The decision to take up this new offer remains theirs.
What does this mean for Castle Square and the Elephant & Castle community?
Castle Square is at the heart of the Elephant & Castle community, and we’re proud to continue supporting it. We actively champion our traders through seasonal events like the Urban Elephant festivals, free activities, regular promotions, and open forums. Our Community Hub, located at Castle Square, remains integral and offers a wide range of free activities for the community to enjoy. Our focus has always been on creating a vibrant space where local businesses can thrive and visitors feel welcome.
What support has been offered to traders?
We’ve provided ongoing support since their relocation to Castle Square, and in particular over the past 18 months, including:
- Since their relocation, traders at Castle Square have been provided an affordable rent at almost a 50% discount to market rates.
- Personalised advice on managing payments and resolving arrears.
- Flexible, reasonable payment plan options.
- Practical day-to-day trading support.
- Regular events and marketing initiatives and social media support through dedicated channels to boost footfall.
- Frequent check-ins via forums, one-to-one meetings, phone calls, and emails.
Are you engaging with Southwark Council regarding Castle Square?
Yes – we’re in regular contact with Southwark Council and other key stakeholders to make sure we are aligned on how we can continue to provide support to the local community.