Pioneer Centre, St Mary's Road, London SE15

Set over two storeys of Sir Owen William’s Pioneer Centre on St Mary’s Road in Peckham, this two-bedroom apartment of over 900 sq ft has been vibrantly updated. The Grade II-listed art deco building lies within gated green grounds and is characterised by expansive banks of windows that flood its interiors with light. The building has a strong community feel and, due to its early history as a health centre, residents have access to wonderful amenities, including a 1930s swimming pool, tennis courts, bike storage, a gym and gated grounds. The apartment also comes with a private off-street parking space.

The Architect

The Pioneer Centre was designed by Sir Owen William, best known as the principal engineer for Wembley Stadium and Birmingham's 'Spaghetti Junction'. Using concrete and steel in the centre's design allowed the architect to realise ambitious, striking shapes. The building's pool is at the centre of the building, set beneath a glazed roof that draws in an astonishing amount of natural light. For more information, please see the History section below.

The Tour

Located on the first floor, the apartment is accessed via a pool-side corridor. Entry is to the main open-plan living spaces, which unfold across the entire upper floor of the apartment. South-west-facing, slightly curved glazing fills the far wall, drawing in a brilliant quality of light care of its south-west-facing aspect.

There is a wonderfully unrestricted feel to the room. Only the kitchen is fixed, although its L-shaped dove grey cabinetry and granite countertops ensure that it stays open to the rest of the room. Appliances here have been neatly integrated and are by Bosch. A bespoke graphic splash back runs behind, adding a subtly striking focal point. The rest of the room is divided between a dining space and a sitting area, with honey-hued Havwoods parquet grounding throughout. This space is well-served by air conditioning.

A spiral staircase winds down to the lower storey, where the two bedrooms make use of its peaceful ambience. Both are a generous size and have wall-to-wall windows that overlook the green communal grounds. The main bedroom has a smart en suite finished in a pared-back colour scheme. A second near identical bathroom lies opposite the second bedroom and also has a bathtub and a shower.

Outdoor Space

As a result of its early history as a health centre, residents have access to unrivalled facilities, including a striking 1930s swimming pool, tennis courts, gym and gated grounds.

The Area

The Pioneer Centre is excellently located between the thriving areas of Queens Road Peckham and Nunhead. Recent developments along Queens Road continue to contribute to the area, notably the Blackbird Bakery under the railway arches, Mama Dough’s pizza restaurant, and several new independent bars. Nunhead Lane has a village-like feel, with a greengrocer, a fishmonger, a deli, a café and a new community centre by AOC architects. Popular local pubs include the Old Nun's Head and Beer Shop.

The nearby Bellenden Road has become a centre for some excellent independent restaurants, bars, and shops, including Artusi, The Begging Bowl and Flock & Herd butchers. The Bussey Building, off Rye Lane, hosts an active and varied programme of yoga/dance classes and workshops, along with a residency from the Royal Court Theatre. Peckham Levels hosts street food, bars and cafes, along with live music. The green spaces of Telegraph Hill, with wonderful views over the city, and Peckham Rye Park are a short walk away.

The building is well located for local schools; within walking distance are St Thomas The Apostle (secondary and sixth form), with local primary schools including Edmund Waller, Kender, John Donne, St Mary Magdalene Church of England, and Hollydale.

Queens Road Peckham is the nearest station, just a five-minute walk away, running London Overground services to Shoreditch High Street and Dalston Junction in one direction and Clapham Junction in the other. Connections to the Jubilee Line can be reached at Canada Water (10 minutes) and the Northern Line at Clapham High Street (11 minutes). Southern trains run services to London Bridge with a journey time of around 7 minutes. Nunhead station is a seven-minute walk away with connections to Victoria (in 15 minutes) and King’s Cross St Pancras (in 25 minutes).

Tenure: Leasehold
Lease Length: Approx. 100 years remaining
Service Charge: Approx. £3,000 per annum
Ground Rent: Approx. £125 per annum
Council Tax Band: C