Deptford Market Yard

Deptford Market Yard is a new public space in Deptford. The site, a derelict railway goods yard, is hard by Deptford Station and previously formed a block to pedestrian movement between the station, Deptford High Street and the market quarter of Douglas Way.

The railway viaduct at Deptford is London's earliest, and the goods yard was dominated by an L-shaped grade II listed Victorian carriage ramp which brought goods and wagons up from the High Street to the railway viaduct.

We rebuilt the ruinous carriage ramp as a new pedestrian route up to the station, along with the new station entrance proposed for the head of the yard. Linked to the ramp is a new apartment building by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners. Ash Sakula's role was the whole of the public realm, and the refurbishment of St Paul's House, an elegant 1920s building on Deptford High Street, formerly a rectory, which became Peabody housing above two restaurants.

The arches under the ramp have become shop, café and bar units. The market yard itself, stone paved, creates a new public realm: a location for markets and one-off events.The new square brings pedestrians from all four corners of Deptford to the station and the buzz of Deptford High Street.