Bellenden Road in Peckham has long been rich in community.
Named after the 7th Lord Bellenden of Broughton, the neighbourhood boasts a strong French influence – something kept alive today by names such as The Montpelier pub and Petitou Cafe – just two examples of a vast range of independents in the area.
Bellenden has historically been of great political importance: Peckham’s Black Women’s Group and the Black Lesbian and Gay Centre resided here in the eighties and nineties, playing a crucial role in the struggle for LGBTQIA+ equality against the backdrop of Thatcherism and the AIDS epidemic. This part of Peckham has also been home to creatives including sculptor Anthony Gormley, who – in collaboration with designer Zandra Rhodes and fellow artist Tom Phillips – designed street furniture, lampposts and mosaics to enhance the area in 1997. Their contributions were part of Southwark Council’s Bellenden Area Renewal programme – a creative revitalisation of the neighbourhood that continues to influence its development today.
Fast forward to 2025,and the council seeks to continue boosting Bellenden and the wider borough through its Streets for People strategy, which is about making it cleaner, greener, safer and more welcoming.
A recent event highlighted the importance of the work being done. On a sun-soaked day in July, Bellenden Road transformed into a bustling, car-free haven as part of the first High Streets for People celebration.
Southwark Council worked with independent events agency We Are Placemaking to deliver the event which focussed on bringing families, communities and businesses together to celebrate our High Streets.
We Are Placemaking, known for producing public realm activations of all sizes, handled the curation, production, and management of the event, while their sister agency, We Are OPS, oversaw health and safety and licensing compliance to create a seamless experience for all.
The day welcomed residents and businesses to take part in a vibrant programme of activity – from outdoor games to smoothie bike challenges, live DJ sets, a samba band parade, and spoken word performances. Local businesses joined forces with community organisations such as London Play, Peddle My Wheels, JoyRiders, Community Cycleworks, the London Samba Band, OurBike, and Poetic Unity to showcase their services and engage with residents.
With 1,000 attendees, including over 100 children, the event proved to be a success, and a powerful expression of a long-term vision for streets that put people first.
Public feedback was overwhelmingly positive, as families and friends enjoyed the chance to socialise in an environment free from traffic.
“I wish it could be like this every day,” one resident said.
Cllr James McAsh, Southwark Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Air, Streets and Waste, said: “The success of this event suggests a strong appetite for more of the same, creating the right environment and space for our communities to socialise and play.
“Through our Streets for People strategy we aim to make streets across the borough cleaner, greener, safer and more welcoming. We’re making investments in walking and cycling routes, improved air quality, and creating more space for community use.”
Alexandra Higgs, Event Producer at We Are Placemaking said: “Community is at the heart of placemaking, and this event exemplified why we do what we do so well.”
Nick Morgan, CEO of We Group (We Are Placemaking, We Are OPS and The Fair), added: “Working on this project with Southwark Council was really rewarding and we look forward to producing equally impactful events in the future.”
