History Peckham in the 19th Century felt itself to be a small, quiet, village, bordered by fields. Not unlike neighbouring New Cross local market gardening in Victorian times was a large source of employment; indeed fresh produce made it's way to Buckingham Palace. The relative openness of much of Peckham then merged into bricks and mortar as the Victorians towards the end of the 19th Century embarked on extensive home building programmes.  Elm Grove  Holly Grove Late 20th Century Peckham was one of modern architectural development.
The Pioneer health centre was one of the most important health centres nationally; with its core initiatives resting upon social focus and health care. The Peckham Partnership has overseen many new home developments in the area. Peckham also houses the library which was designed by the globally celebrated architects, Alsop and Stormer, and along with the Peckham Pulse, goes towards providing better facilities for the locality. The present day, and not before time, sees large private and government intervention with extensive infrastructure improvements including the rebuilding of many of the council estates, particularly to the north of Peckham High Street.  Peckham Pulse  Peckham High Street The present market Remains very much a mix of Borough of Southwark run council estates and the private sector based on Victorian housing stock. It is an active, aspirational market with prices behind bordering East Dulwich and New Cross. Parkers see Peckham as taking up the slack as buyers see good value on the back of the environmental improvement. The area is undoubtedly well situated; 2 rail stations serving London Bridge, Victoria and Blackfriars and numerous buses. Transport for London (TFL) are working on an extension to the East London Line (2012?) which will give the area a great uplift. Canny buyers see beyond the 'Del Boy' image so memorably portrayed in the BBC's Only Fools and Horses.  Peckham Library  Pioneer Centre, Peckham |
