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Wednesday 8 Oct 2008

SOUTHBANK RAIL ARCHES GET £3.8M MAKEOVER

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National

More than a dozen railway arches on the Southbank in London are getting a £3.8m makeover by Network Rail, which will provide around 40,000ft² of new office space.

The arches in Great Suffolk Street, Chancel Street and Burrell Street in SE1, have predominately been used as storage space, so the new modern office environment will bring a brighter and more people friendly feel to the area, in keeping with other recent developments in the area by Network Rail in Wootton Street, Joan Street and Scoresby Street.

Once completed, the development can accommodate up to 14 different businesses. The first unit in Great Suffolk Street has recently been completed and the aim is to finish all over the next 12-18 months.

Mick Martin, Director of Commercial Property for Network Rail said: “The Southbank is undergoing a real renaissance and our investment will see us becoming part of it. The renovation will improve the look and feel of the arches and deliver a modern, buzzing office environment, fitting to the new Southbank. There is of course a double win with this investment - not only does the local area benefit from regeneration but the commercial return goes back into funding improvements to the railway.”