In June, the News reported that the Peckham Arch, the metal structure overlooking the entrance to Peckham Square, is at risk of demolition.
Southwark Council are redesigning the square and recent concept designs by Spheron Architects re-imagine the square without its arch.
The council has previously said the arch’s removal could make the area “feel safer” and make way for “commercial or community space”.
A 2016 council survey found that 80% of people “did not want to see the arch retained”.
This week, the News did a survey of its own, and hit the pavement to ask locals whether the arch should stay or go.
Christine Morgan is a 58-year-old retired healthcare assistant. Having lived in Peckham for 27 years, she said: “I think it should stay. A lot of people, especially people with mental health, go there to socialise, to interact with other people.
“So, I don’t see why they’d take it away unless they’re going to put something else there very very important there.”
Edward Pulleyn, 23, an assistant psychologist, has just moved down from York. He said: “I think if there’s a solid plan to replace with something that looks good I’m open to it – I’m not too attached to it.
“But if it’s a matter of arch or no arch, I think keep the arch”.
Samuel Lahai is a retired events manager. He has lived in Peckham since 1989 and desperately wants the arch to stay. “It’s a symbol of Peckham! And besides, you see a lot of people doing social activities like playing music, concerts or preaching the word of god there”, he said.
“It’s a place which loudly says this is a place where people in Peckham can come together!”
Joel Ramirez Henriquez said without the arch “it’s not gonna be the same”. “Everyone comes here to have fun and enjoy life”, he said.
Clemy McAvoy, 25, works in recycling and waste management. She lives in Tottenham but is often in Peckham. She said: “I think the local community should be deciding but I do think Peckham is changing too much as an area.
“So keeping it as it is would be best rather than encouraging gentrification and forcing more and more people out.”
But Shanay Wilson-Henry, 20, who grew up in Peckham and runs a food stall with her mum in Bermondsey, was open to losing the arch. She said she was open to seeing “what other possible outcomes there are” and that “revamping” the square was a good idea.
Lucus Tomlins, a 24-year-old trainee Bricklayer from Camberwell said: “I think the arch is an important part of Peckham. It represents an important part of this area.”
Sophie Bleasdale, a 29-year-old teaching assistant walks through the arch “everyday”. She said it had a “really nice vibe” and demolishing it would be “a real shame”.
Oyeyemi Ojo Quadry said if the council wants to remove it “they must have a good reason” but is concerned about where people will shelter when it rains.
In a statement, Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for the Climate Emergency and Sustainable Growth, said: “The council commissioned Spheron to undertake an initial design study to reimagine the future of Peckham Square based on the views of local people and businesses. This has now been completed and the council is reviewing the key issues raised and prioritising work that needs to be done.”