Foster to advise Southwark on Elephant regeneration

The move is part of Southwark's forthcoming Comprehensive Planning Framework (CPF), which will detail the council's overall approach to the regeneration of the Elephant and Castle.

Southwark will be making a progress report to its Executive Committee on this Planning Framework by the end of November, which will be followed by a public consultation in early 2003.

Jon Abbott, Assistant Project Director, Elephant and Castle Development Team, said: "Foster and Partners has an international reputation for masterplanning in a major city context, particularly in the design of civic spaces and public transport interchanges. As these will all be key issues for consideration within our Comprehensive Planning Framework on the Elephant and Castle, their input and advice will be invaluable.

"In addition, as the firm has previously worked for the council, it means they possess a considerable knowledge of the opportunities at the Elephant and Castle and the challenges that need to be addressed. Their appointment is a reflection of Southwark's commitment to creating a scheme of world-class renown for the Elephant and delivering lasting benefits to its residents."

The move follows the collapse in April of the council's previous agreement with Southwark Land Regeneration, which had thrown the plans for the Elephant and Castle into disarray.