Although some demolitions were necessary, key landmarks like the listed Globe pub and the Wheatsheaf remain in place. Although the Wheatsheaf had to have its top floor removed to allow the viaduct to pass overhead, a new basement and ground floor extension have allowed it to continue to thrive as a popular pub. Meanwhile, the cast-iron Victorian market roof was taken off site to be refurbished before being reinstalled when the viaduct was complete, helping to preserve the history of the area.
New buildings, new discoveries
Several new buildings have been constructed in the spaces created by the demolition. On Bedale Street a new retail and office building has been built, as well as a new entrance to the market. On the site of what was once 16-26 Borough High Street, a new glazed market hall was built to bring Borough Market back to Borough High Street for the first time in centuries.
Across the road at 11-15 Borough High Street, a new retail/office building has been built. This building is set back from the highway, providing additional circulation space for pedestrians and opening up views of the listed post office building.
Archaeological work during construction of the new Borough Viaduct uncovered a wealth of remains from the Roman, Saxon, medieval and more recent periods that provide a fascinating insight into the formation and growth of the settlement in the Southwark area. Finds included a previously unknown Roman bathhouse, which featured a rudimentary underfloor heating system, under what is now 11-15 Borough High Street. This is now a scheduled ancient monument and important evidence for the significance of the Roman activity on the south side of the river.
Other stand out finds included evidence for the Boudican revolt, substantial evidence for the Saxon/medieval defences of the settlement and the St. Saviour’s/Park Street burial ground.
Below you can watch the full timelapse of the Borough Viaduct installation