Borough, Bankside and Bermondsey

This walking route runs alongside the Victorian railway viaduct. It brings the arches beneath it into use and connects Bankside to London Bridge and Waterloo stations. The Low Line concept was created by resident David Stephens and inspired by the High Line in New York.  

The Low Line is supported by Network Rail, who own the viaduct and Better Bankside. The walking route has special protection in the Southwark Plan.

How we’re developing the Low Line

We are working with the owners of the land and buildings next to the viaduct and the operators in the arches. In Elephant and Castle, the Walworth Society is working with the community to open up new sections. Team London Bridge is leading on changes in Bermondsey. 

Work includes:

• landscaping
• lighting
• brick cleaning
• artwork
• signage
• events to celebrate the history and potential of the arches 

Spare Street 

This section is a landscaped walkway alongside a new development in Elephant and Castle. Five derelict arches have been refurbished to create artists’ workshops. They are operated by local not-for-profit, Hotel Elephant.

Union Yard Arches and Flat Iron Square 

These sections both opened in 2016, with new walkways through previously gated areas, new paving, lighting and artworks. They have created homes for independent and creative occupiers, including Union Theatre, Cervantes Theatre, O'Meara and The Africa Centre.

Dirty Lane

This route through the arches at Borough Market connects Tate Modern and London Bridge.

London Bridge Station redevelopment

This section opens up 70,000 square feet of arches. It includes affordable units for local independents and a new home for Southwark Playhouse.

Future plans

Partners across Southwark are investigating the potential for new sections of Low Line. New projects planned for the next five years include:

• refurbishment of the arches and public realm along Holyrood Street with Team London Bridge
• a new leisure offer in arches next to Maltby Street market, operated by Doodle Bar   
• the refurbishment of a long stretch of arches next to the Biscuit Factory in Bermondsey
• improvement of the walkway alongside the Borough Triangle at Elephant and Castle
• refurbishment of a new north-south route as part of the Manor Place depot redevelopment 

In Peckham, a close relative of the low line called the Coal Line is being delivered by the community through a crowdfunding campaign.