@@NoName-vy8vuhating on a small TH-camr you know nothing about? How miserable are you? Stop trying to spread your misery to others and seek help. Also get rid of that statue pfp!
@@CityEd. I agree with Samuel's comment. I would add that you have a very good speaking voice, easy to understand, smooth and measured. Looking forward to more content... and I've subscribed!
There is a great deal of negativity when it comes to modern developments and architecture. It is super refreshing to see someone talking about a successful and extremly pretty developmnent. I look forward to seeing more from this channel.
As a kid, Elephant and Castle was considered a rough area, now its looks like one of the nicest areas in London. Its central London location was always going to work in its favour at some point.
Really enjoyed the video. As others have commented it's great to have an insight into what living in the area is actually like combined with a knowledge about architecture and urban planning, plus get a good account of its historical background. Also, very refreshing to watch a positive take on a project that isn't just a promotion by the developers - or one that's complaining about gentrification or something else negative. Definitely please do more videos like this!
Thank you for your encouragement I really appreciate it. It's becoming a great area that I'm pleased to call home. Totally agree on the need for a positive perspective on schemes like this - cities are constantly evolving and if done well, this should be celebrated. I'm looking forward to filming my next video!
This video wasn't what I expected when I initially clicked on it but I throughly enjoyed watching it. I went to Southbank Uni so became very familiar with the area back in the early 90s and it's changed so much, but I didn't realise just how much (despite now driving through the area every week) until I watched this video. I've subscribed and look forward to the next one! Expertly filmed great voiceover and not too long. Thank you!
Just to add to all the other positive comments, this is an amazing first video. Nice to see a positive take on E&C as there’s been some understandable cynicism around it. Looking forward to more!
I’m renting in the new development in Elephant and Castle and also really like it here. Brilliant transport links, rent is not that bad for what you get, the development is clean, looks nice and actually has a decent community feel.
@@Baldieman1where tf is bourton on the water? Sounds racist no thanks. 😂 Also whatever happens to it it’s still better than the trash heap it used to be
@@FuturisticStuffSpeak for yourself. The community that knew at least 5 people who got m*rdered in the area in their lifetime. Who saw their children’s futures flushed down the toilet. They got rehoused into other council estates they’re fine.
London has really improved over the last 10 or 20 years. Nine Elms/Battersea, Elephant & Castle, Wembley, Stratford, Kings Cross - all have changed massively for the better.
Don’t forget Hackney, Peckham, Brixton, Shepherd’s Bush, White City and even Acton. I have mixed feelings on gentrification as it does price out local residents and it does make the places more expensive. It can also erase the soul of the place, as small businesses, independent venues such as music venues, book shops and pubs do struggle to survive. I agree that they are definitely nicer as areas.
My Nan and grandad lived on heygate, left in the early 90s… it was rough and dirty I remember it well but I never thought it was that bad but I was a child… gotta be 20 years since I was in the elephant tho I’m. In and out of London a lot - wonderful to see this really mate… wonderful to see the regen 😌❤️
Great video! I had no idea of this re-development, very much enjoyed your detailing of things like the rain gardens and other small features, as well as comparing the old and new shopping centre. I look forward to other areas you'll feature! Have to say, seeing re-developments like this bring me such optimism, thank you
Someone recommend this on the elephant and castle residents page! Great work! Wanted to make something similar myself, you encapsulated perfectly! Keep it up 🙌
I appreciate how thorough this video is in regards to the public realm but you've completely the really important aspect of the re-development, which is the huge dispacement and gentrification that this development has created. Flats here go for an obscene amount of money that is not accessible to most londoners
This was a well produced mini documentary. Please do more! You have an objective & balanced approach. One unsolicited suggestion, when you highlight a residential building, include some rental and purchasing figures. Eg. Monthly rent for a 2 bed here is £2,400 (& quote the source on screen) I hope you start your channel.
Excellent work, it's great to see someone focusing on the positive aspects of contemporary urban development. You focus on what's important such as permeability, greenery and multi-use.
I've worked in the area from 2016-2018. Sad to see the old shopping centre go. Thanks for the interesting video, I'll have to visit the area again at some point.
Thanks for this! What are your experiences of the old shopping centre? It sounds like it was the heart of the community. I hope the new shopping centre brings some of that back!
@@CityEd. The place was built back in 1965, and I don't think it was ever updated (though I could be wrong), so it was like stepping back in time when you walked through the doors. Shame they demolished it, as and was the first indoor shopping centre not only in Britain, but Europe. It wasn't the prettiest of landmarks, but I'm sad to see it go. I wonder if the new one will be a heart of the community, like the previous one?
Honestly the reaction to this one has far exceeded my expectations. Been wanting to start a TH-cam channel for a while and always put it off out of fear of embarassment. These comments have been so encouraging and I'm looking forward to starting my next video. Apologies for the life story
Love the video! Will be watching more when they come out. Education about our cities, what they were and how they became what they are now, is so important. We mustn’t lose touch with the past!
That was very well done. I look forward to more of your videos. Next time I'm in the UK/London I'd love to check-out the Elephant & Castle neighborhood.
As a New Yorker I wish we had more pedestrianized spaces for children that aren’t parks. It’s not that common across the city. This project is a master class in urban design!
What a beautiful video watched it with my girlfriend telling her about all the nostalgic moments and memories I’m glad elephant and castle is growing for the better
Great video. Just became your lucky 13th subscriber. There's definitely a need for quality British urbanist content on TH-cam. Good luck on the channel and future videos!
I lived at Metro Central Height for two years from 2021 to 2023, and Elephant Park was an oasis on green in the area. With nice restaurants. The grass can be quite busy in warm days. But good place to be. Only down side is the noisy from the road and ambulances.
Great video! I really want to live in London in the future, and this is really nice to see. I love the modern architecture you’ve pointed out, definitely going into my moodboards lmao
Hey! I'm not quite sure how the algorithm worked to send me here but I'm so so glad it did. These days, it's easy to lose focus when watching TH-cam videos and open a new tab, but this video caused quite the opposite - I wanted more! This was super interesting, and has made me miss London a lot (I'm currently living in Sydney). Would really love to see more of your stuff as and when you come out with it.
Great video mate, staying in Elephant & Castle over the next bank holiday and wanted to learn more about the area. This video defo helped with that! Highly recommend you make more
Thank you mate - appreciate this! The encouragement I’ve had on this video have been so motivating - I’ve already filmed my next video! Enjoy your stay in Elephant
Great video outlining the history of and future plans forthe area. I am an urban planner who happens to live in E and C and found this video very well researched and presented. Let me know if I can help future videos in any way!
Thank you mate! Really appreciate that. I studied urban planning as well back in the day. Might be good to have another urban planner’s perspective on things in a future video. I’ll keep your kind offer in mind
I really enjoyed your video. I lived in Kennington for many years from 1996, left London in 2015. Your video provided a brilliantly structured insight into the redevelopment. A really professional job! I have a real fascination for new ideas in town planning (on a "lay" basis)....I follow some of the TH-cam makers in the US and continental Europe on this. Great to see somebody doing this in the UK! Keep going...
Thank you for this video. I lived in the repurposed former DHSS Goldfinger building between 1997 and 2001. I returned to visit in 2018. And i see there is more change in 2024. I am happy that for some reason, the private developments seem to "make sense" in the larger scheme of things in E&C. Let's hope that somehow the new E&C can maintain its shiny and bright new look. FYI, i am now living in Singapore.
Thanks for a great video CityEd. Really good video editing and clear, informative narration. As someone hoping to move to London I will add it to my list of places to consider. I look forward to more excellent videos like this. Best of luck with your new YT channel.
Great video. I haven't really explored or been through the area for a couple of years, so you're inspiring me to go take a fresh look at it. Looks like quite a nice, sensitive development.
Excellent video, and I hope it's the first of many more. I remember E&C from being taken to the cinema there a few times in the mid/late 1970s. The Jules Verne style lift at the Underground station was something to behold. This is an impressive and thoughtful redevelopment and makes me want to take a trip down there to have a look for myself. Well done and keep up the good work 👍
Elephant has been home for me since 2012, Heygate was coming down. I never really thought about how big all the changes have been. Exceptional video man, your style is great, can't believe you're new doing this!
Happy to see I'm not the only person who loves the Elephant & Castle redevelopment! It really is a great example of how to build a modern European city!
As a local architect to E&C, and having worked for a local firm of architects ( Rolfe Judd ) this video was both a masterclass and a breath of fresh air. Keep it up!
Well made video. Lived in London for about 6 months and visited E&C many times with friends. There's still plenty of work to be done as it's hard to work around the roundabout, but the work done with the park and surrounding shops/restaurants and wonderful. I'd love to return in a few years and see what they've done.
Most of my family are from this area, the last of them left in 2010’s, it’s certainly changed a lot in their time, quality video though, you’ve gained a sub. I have to say I’m a big fan of historic architecture but I love this development you’ve displayed, which ties the area together really well.
Thanks for your message! I’d love to hear more about how the area has changed over time and I’m sure your family have some great stories. Are there any stories in your family from the pre-war era? Blitz?
@@CityEd. As far as I’m aware my great grandparents were evacuated to Pluckley in Kent, not far from where most of us are based now ironically, I’m pretty certain my great grandad’s house was bombed and they survived, he didn’t talk much about the era sadly but I was lucky to have a number of them around when I was a bit younger. After the war the house my Nan’s family had grown up in was knocked down in a post war redevelopment scheme which she always says was a shame as her grandmother kept the place very tidy. For me, the flats my great grandparents lived in that I used to visit is also no longer standing, 60’s architecture wasn’t entirely built to last!
Wow, I watch a lot of the urban planning and architecture content on YT. For this to be your first video, it's an incredibly strong one-solid storyline, strong narrative, good pacing, clear audio with steady levels, editing pacing spot on with the script. Very well done! I'd say the only crit that pops into mind is that your source citations in the lower thirds stylistically stand out a bit too much in the way it draws the viewers eye towards it. Citation/credit is nice and love that you do it, but it's one of the few times I've watched a video and read each one. 😅 Well done! I've liked and subbed and looking forward to your videos to come! (edit/added comment: I really like this length, too. It makes for a perfectly digestible video to sit down and watch. When they go on longer and approach 20-30 minutes, I mark them as "watch later", which-unfortunately-I'm horrible at going back to watching later even if I'm really looking forward to the content-but depending on the audience you attract, YMMV of what length works best.)
Thank you for your encouraging comment Spektograf! I’ve noted your tip re my citations. Totally agree, I’ll make them less prominent in future videos. Glad you liked the pacing and storyline! Totally agree re 10 mins being the sweet spot - I’m much more likely to click on videos under 15 mins (over 15 mins feels like a commitment!) so I’ve been aiming for my videos to be a similar length. Thanks again, I’m looking forward to my next video!
Great suggestion! I was in Croydon the other day. The changes have been phenomenal. There are so many areas of London that I love - I could make endless videos!
I’m a big fan of John Rogers & Jago, but I’d like to agree with others - I like your positivity and optimism about modern alterations to London. Keep it up - subscribed! ☺️
Thanks for the video. Good job. In future, please could you provide links in the description tab for sources you use. I was raised in an area not far from E&C and visited there / went through there frequently, especially when studying at London South Bank University. The shopping centre was definitely drab but was also a hub for many residents of South American origin; I wonder how they have been affected by this. I'm also very surprised all those thousands of residents were relocated within the area - council waiting lists in London are huge and folks often have to wait many years before they are given anywhere to live. Don't want to sound too negative - it really looks as though the area is a significant improvement on what it used to be, but for who's benefit? Looking at rent prices there, obviously those who have money.
Really interesting! I was sceptical about the redevelopment before watching your video and am a bit of a fan of brutalism but I’m a sucker for the trees and pavement cafes and I like the new architecture in the area. I’ll have to check out the area next time I’m in London! A well-made video, I look forward to the next one!
Amazing first video, great to hear people talking about my local area. I definitely agree that Elephant Park is a great example of placemaking, a couple of years ago I was definitely down on the development, it somehow felt both cramped and empty at the same time, surrounded by a wall of blank/empty flats. Now the new shops have opened and activated the perimeter of the space and the flats have filled up it's a total revelation lovely green space (particularly the large trees!) but full of activity, really a good focal point for the area. It doesn't even feel too studenty, despite the concentration of student blocks. Not so much of a fan of the new brick high rises on the periphery, they just feel imposing to me and the bay-window balconies seem more like barred-up dark empty holes. Using bricks also always feels dishonest on blocks like these, they're concrete/steel buildings and they never quite hide that the bricks are just "stuck on". At least they got the proportions basically right though, there are worse ones of these being built in other places! The roundabout->bend transformation I can't say is a big success really, it's not great for drivers or cyclists and the main roads are still a traffic sewer. Not sure how much else could have been done though. The road changes to the smaller roads have been great though, feels like car infestation and heavy traffic are basically evicted from the local area, it's a much nicer place to be. Please make more videos, your style is excellent - I really liked the historic images and graphic integration, really smooth and effective.
Thank you for your comment Bearbin I really appreciate your kind words! I think it's incredible how much the trees contribute towards the area already feeling quite mature and established. Now that you mention it, I'd be interested to see how large those balconies on the Rodney Road 'mansion blocks', and whether they are heavily used. I totally agree on the roundabout it doesn't feel safe as a cyclist or a pedestrian and it is a big gaping road still, but I understand that this is fairly necessary due to Elephant & Castle's prominent location on the London road network. I also hope they get rid of some of the guardrail between the tube station and the Metropolitan Tabernacle. It really divides the area in half and I think this could do with some treatment. Really grateful for your last comment - it will certainly encourage me to make more videos. Thanks again
Excellent Video, I grow up near (The Oval 1960s) the elephant, which is what the locals called it, we used to go shopping there it is interesting to see how much it has changed, mostly for the better, but I did not see the landmark shiny metal water block on the big roundabout I always used to going past it?
Amazing video. I think this a better example of how urban regeneration/renewal should happen. Compared to places like pontoon dock, where the new apartment buildings create a sterile, almost closed for dystopian atmosphere from their monotony, I think Elephant & castle does a lot better. Regeneration should be done while working with nature and history, otherwise it’ll either be a mismatched sprawl of hideous modern buildings, or a monotonous and hope depleting “modern estate” like in pontoon dock.
Well this video came as a nice surprise! Nice one mate, excellently narrated. We need more urbanist content like this on South London. It's so little talked about compared to North of the Thames & Docklands.
Congratulations on this video. You have a great idea and the potential for endless content. I haven't been to Elephant and Castle for a long time and it was interesting to see how the gentrification of the area has changed it. Redevelopment is great, but I feel that gentrification breaks up established mainly working class and poor communities, so it only really benefits a wealthier section of the population. Rant over. Well done again. Really enjoyable video.
Great video. I agree that the area has improved a huge amount. The Lambeth Walk estate is another area that could use similar treatment. It's criminally low density for such a central site.
Wonderful video. I live in one of the apartments over looking elephant park and it really feels like I’m living in the park. Especially now spring has passed and the trees are full of greenery. ❤
Great video! As an incoming international student, these types of city area assessments are so satisfying! I would love to see a video on the Deptford/ Deptford Landing area as it seems like an interesting redevelopment plan.
Thank you so much! You know, I’ve only ever passed through Deptford! I need to get off the bus there one day and have an explore. thanks for the suggestion I’ve added it to my list
Honestly impressed how quickly you went from recommended to subscribed! 😅 A really fascinating video, you really captured how I feel about that space (though it always feels hard to admit because of the difficult history of that site).
I lived in Kennington from 2014 to 2023, and I'm already missing the area. The new townhouses by Elephant always particularly appealed but are almost certainly out of price range. (An attempt to buy a flat on Walworth Road failed when a bank wouldn't give it a mortgage.) One of the interesting things about that shopping centre was that because it was doomed, it had rents and availability much better than elsewhere in the same area so tended to act as an experimental space for new ideas, like Mamuska, the Polish restaurant mini chain that after building a reputation there then moved to a permanent site under Waterloo.
Great video, thanks, I like the historic content too. I do get the impression that this new housing is mostly expensive and unaffordable compared to the previous council developments. But times have changed haven't they.
Loved this keep it up! I’d be interested in your perspective on places like Walthamstow high street and village which having grown up there in the 70s/80s and then seen a decline it’s such a joy to see it coming back to life. Cheers k
Really enjoyed this. elephant and castle has changed a lot since I was last there 15 years ago. It would be interesting to do a comparison with Nine Elms, which does not seem to have been so successful in creating a sense of place.
I have to say, I'm slightly disappointed that this is the only video on your channel! I thoroughly enjoyed it, I hope there will be more to come!
This is so kind of you, thank you. More videos on the way soon!!
Ditto! I just subscribed as was going back to watch the rest of the catalogue... Oops! Can't wait for the next one!
He will do one for each area he is trying to boost the house prices for
@@NoName-vy8vuhating on a small TH-camr you know nothing about? How miserable are you? Stop trying to spread your misery to others and seek help. Also get rid of that statue pfp!
If this is what being new to making TH-cam videos looks like, I think this channel has a really bright future
Really appreciate this Samuel, thank you!
@@CityEd. I agree with Samuel's comment. I would add that you have a very good speaking voice, easy to understand, smooth and measured. Looking forward to more content... and I've subscribed!
There is a great deal of negativity when it comes to modern developments and architecture. It is super refreshing to see someone talking about a successful and extremly pretty developmnent. I look forward to seeing more from this channel.
As a kid, Elephant and Castle was considered a rough area, now its looks like one of the nicest areas in London. Its central London location was always going to work in its favour at some point.
They priced out the naughty people, it's still rough though, a horrible area to teach in
@@pmufc7 lol, sounds like you are speaking from experience
I’m gen z and even then as a kid it was ugly, depressing and so so dangerous. Idk how I feel about the buildings now but it’s way better.
Great video! Lovely to see this kind of urban planning analysis done by Londoners on their local area
Thanks Harry! I have a few other areas in mind for future videos so please stay tuned!
Really enjoyed the video. As others have commented it's great to have an insight into what living in the area is actually like combined with a knowledge about architecture and urban planning, plus get a good account of its historical background.
Also, very refreshing to watch a positive take on a project that isn't just a promotion by the developers - or one that's complaining about gentrification or something else negative. Definitely please do more videos like this!
Thank you for your encouragement I really appreciate it. It's becoming a great area that I'm pleased to call home. Totally agree on the need for a positive perspective on schemes like this - cities are constantly evolving and if done well, this should be celebrated. I'm looking forward to filming my next video!
This video wasn't what I expected when I initially clicked on it but I throughly enjoyed watching it. I went to Southbank Uni so became very familiar with the area back in the early 90s and it's changed so much, but I didn't realise just how much (despite now driving through the area every week) until I watched this video. I've subscribed and look forward to the next one! Expertly filmed great voiceover and not too long. Thank you!
Really glad you enjoyed it. What was your experience of the area in the 1990s?
Just to add to all the other positive comments, this is an amazing first video. Nice to see a positive take on E&C as there’s been some understandable cynicism around it. Looking forward to more!
Thank you!! I’ve filmed my next video, just need to fit editing around the 9-5 now!
I’m renting in the new development in Elephant and Castle and also really like it here. Brilliant transport links, rent is not that bad for what you get, the development is clean, looks nice and actually has a decent community feel.
Wait a few years,I guarantee it will be dystopian slum,but you won't be bothered as you will have your place in Bourton on the water by then.
@@iJoxy yeah and the community want you out. Gentrifier
@@Baldieman1where tf is bourton on the water? Sounds racist no thanks. 😂 Also whatever happens to it it’s still better than the trash heap it used to be
@@FuturisticStuffSpeak for yourself. The community that knew at least 5 people who got m*rdered in the area in their lifetime. Who saw their children’s futures flushed down the toilet. They got rehoused into other council estates they’re fine.
London has really improved over the last 10 or 20 years. Nine Elms/Battersea, Elephant & Castle, Wembley, Stratford, Kings Cross - all have changed massively for the better.
It’s always something new popping up, I haven’t been to Battersea yet
Tory government, sadly we may see an end to all of this progress soon if Starmer is as left wing as people say he is
If you call for the better socially cleansing the true working class to be replaced by spoilt trustafarians,who sterilise any soul in the area.
are you brown or jewish by chance
Don’t forget Hackney, Peckham, Brixton, Shepherd’s Bush, White City and even Acton. I have mixed feelings on gentrification as it does price out local residents and it does make the places more expensive. It can also erase the soul of the place, as small businesses, independent venues such as music venues, book shops and pubs do struggle to survive. I agree that they are definitely nicer as areas.
My Nan and grandad lived on heygate, left in the early 90s… it was rough and dirty I remember it well but I never thought it was that bad but I was a child… gotta be 20 years since I was in the elephant tho I’m. In and out of London a lot - wonderful to see this really mate… wonderful to see the regen 😌❤️
Gd old heygate
Great video! I had no idea of this re-development, very much enjoyed your detailing of things like the rain gardens and other small features, as well as comparing the old and new shopping centre. I look forward to other areas you'll feature! Have to say, seeing re-developments like this bring me such optimism, thank you
Someone recommend this on the elephant and castle residents page! Great work! Wanted to make something similar myself, you encapsulated perfectly! Keep it up 🙌
That's amazing news I'm really glad. Thank you!
I couldn't believe that this was your first video! Thoroughly enjoyed it. Hope to see more in the future 😊
I appreciate how thorough this video is in regards to the public realm but you've completely the really important aspect of the re-development, which is the huge dispacement and gentrification that this development has created. Flats here go for an obscene amount of money that is not accessible to most londoners
This was a well produced mini documentary. Please do more!
You have an objective & balanced approach. One unsolicited suggestion, when you highlight a residential building, include some rental and purchasing figures. Eg. Monthly rent for a 2 bed here is £2,400 (& quote the source on screen)
I hope you start your channel.
Yes please!! The price might help me as someone who plans to move to London!
Excellent work, it's great to see someone focusing on the positive aspects of contemporary urban development. You focus on what's important such as permeability, greenery and multi-use.
I've worked in the area from 2016-2018. Sad to see the old shopping centre go. Thanks for the interesting video, I'll have to visit the area again at some point.
Thanks for this! What are your experiences of the old shopping centre? It sounds like it was the heart of the community. I hope the new shopping centre brings some of that back!
@@CityEd. The place was built back in 1965, and I don't think it was ever updated (though I could be wrong), so it was like stepping back in time when you walked through the doors. Shame they demolished it, as and was the first indoor shopping centre not only in Britain, but Europe. It wasn't the prettiest of landmarks, but I'm sad to see it go. I wonder if the new one will be a heart of the community, like the previous one?
Awesome! Looking forward to more videos : )
Honestly the reaction to this one has far exceeded my expectations. Been wanting to start a TH-cam channel for a while and always put it off out of fear of embarassment. These comments have been so encouraging and I'm looking forward to starting my next video. Apologies for the life story
@@CityEd.No need to apologize for life story or being embarrassed! This has been amazing mate! We want more! Kudos!
Love the video! Will be watching more when they come out. Education about our cities, what they were and how they became what they are now, is so important. We mustn’t lose touch with the past!
That was very well done. I look forward to more of your videos. Next time I'm in the UK/London I'd love to check-out the Elephant & Castle neighborhood.
Fantastic video - definitely create more! You've got a great perspective on your surroundings
Thanks Andrew, really appreciate your words - which will definitely motivate me to create more of this!
As a New Yorker I wish we had more pedestrianized spaces for children that aren’t parks. It’s not that common across the city. This project is a master class in urban design!
Bill Clinton said it was one of the best developments he had seen 😕
What a beautiful video watched it with my girlfriend telling her about all the nostalgic moments and memories I’m glad elephant and castle is growing for the better
Great video. Just became your lucky 13th subscriber. There's definitely a need for quality British urbanist content on TH-cam. Good luck on the channel and future videos!
Thank you so much! I totally agree about the need for urbanist content. Planning more videos like this one in the near future. Thanks again!
I lived at Metro Central Height for two years from 2021 to 2023, and Elephant Park was an oasis on green in the area. With nice restaurants. The grass can be quite busy in warm days. But good place to be. Only down side is the noisy from the road and ambulances.
Honestly its like evey 20 mins i hear sirens or drunkad singing really loud
Excellent video. Do keep it up! 👍
Thank you! Appreciate that
Great video! I really want to live in London in the future, and this is really nice to see. I love the modern architecture you’ve pointed out, definitely going into my moodboards lmao
Ah, I wanted to move to London for so long before finally doing it. Haven't regretted a single second - good luck!
@@CityEd. thank you so much!!
I lived in elephant about 15 years ago, such a transformation. Brilliant!
Hey! I'm not quite sure how the algorithm worked to send me here but I'm so so glad it did. These days, it's easy to lose focus when watching TH-cam videos and open a new tab, but this video caused quite the opposite - I wanted more! This was super interesting, and has made me miss London a lot (I'm currently living in Sydney). Would really love to see more of your stuff as and when you come out with it.
Really kind comment thank you! I’m glad the algorithm sent you here. Hoping to release my second video next week
Loved this!! Was disappointed you said this was your only video but super impressed! Looking forward to the next one 😊
Great work. You did really well!!
Thank you! Really appreciate this :)
Great video mate, staying in Elephant & Castle over the next bank holiday and wanted to learn more about the area. This video defo helped with that! Highly recommend you make more
Thank you mate - appreciate this! The encouragement I’ve had on this video have been so motivating - I’ve already filmed my next video! Enjoy your stay in Elephant
Absolutely smashed it. Very interesting! Please make more videos!!!!
A phenomenal video considering its your very first try! love to see more closer looks around areas of london like that. keep up the great work :)
Great video- very recently visited Elephant Park and was really plesantly surprised- this has summed it up perfectly. Subscribed!
Great video outlining the history of and future plans forthe area. I am an urban planner who happens to live in E and C and found this video very well researched and presented. Let me know if I can help future videos in any way!
Collaboration!
Thank you mate! Really appreciate that. I studied urban planning as well back in the day. Might be good to have another urban planner’s perspective on things in a future video. I’ll keep your kind offer in mind
Intelligent, informative, humoured and perfectly timed, well executed and researched. You have huge potential here, don’t waste it!
Really really appreciate your kind comment Stanley. Thank you. More videos on their way!
I really enjoyed your video. I lived in Kennington for many years from 1996, left London in 2015. Your video provided a brilliantly structured insight into the redevelopment. A really professional job! I have a real fascination for new ideas in town planning (on a "lay" basis)....I follow some of the TH-cam makers in the US and continental Europe on this. Great to see somebody doing this in the UK! Keep going...
Thank you for this video. I lived in the repurposed former DHSS Goldfinger building between 1997 and 2001. I returned to visit in 2018. And i see there is more change in 2024. I am happy that for some reason, the private developments seem to "make sense" in the larger scheme of things in E&C. Let's hope that somehow the new E&C can maintain its shiny and bright new look. FYI, i am now living in Singapore.
Broooo! You mean to say this is your first video? The quality is god-tier! Awesome work and glad I found your channel! Subscribed!!
Oh mate thank you so much for this! God tier!!!! Great comment, thank you
Love this video, fascinating to see the redevelopment.
Thanks for a great video CityEd. Really good video editing and clear, informative narration. As someone hoping to move to London I will add it to my list of places to consider. I look forward to more excellent videos like this. Best of luck with your new YT channel.
Great video. I haven't really explored or been through the area for a couple of years, so you're inspiring me to go take a fresh look at it. Looks like quite a nice, sensitive development.
Excellent video, and I hope it's the first of many more. I remember E&C from being taken to the cinema there a few times in the mid/late 1970s. The Jules Verne style lift at the Underground station was something to behold. This is an impressive and thoughtful redevelopment and makes me want to take a trip down there to have a look for myself. Well done and keep up the good work 👍
Great to hear! Thank you for your comment. Definitely recommend taking a walk around on a sunny day
I love how you use such great and professional terminology when describing the way that spaces and people interact. Very interesting video
Thank you Richard! More coming soon
Fantastic first video, I hope it is the first of many!
Elephant has been home for me since 2012, Heygate was coming down. I never really thought about how big all the changes have been.
Exceptional video man, your style is great, can't believe you're new doing this!
Really appreciate your comment! I’ve been blown away by the messages of support. Really looking forward to making more videos
Happy to see I'm not the only person who loves the Elephant & Castle redevelopment! It really is a great example of how to build a modern European city!
As a local architect to E&C, and having worked for a local firm of architects ( Rolfe Judd ) this video was both a masterclass and a breath of fresh air. Keep it up!
Thank you Cecilia for your lovely comment. I love Rolfe Judd’s work, and I’m really glad you enjoyed the video
Well made video. Lived in London for about 6 months and visited E&C many times with friends. There's still plenty of work to be done as it's hard to work around the roundabout, but the work done with the park and surrounding shops/restaurants and wonderful. I'd love to return in a few years and see what they've done.
Thank you! Appreciate this
Great watch. Looking forward to the next!
Coming soon!
Great first video, always good to see a fab new channel!
Most of my family are from this area, the last of them left in 2010’s, it’s certainly changed a lot in their time, quality video though, you’ve gained a sub. I have to say I’m a big fan of historic architecture but I love this development you’ve displayed, which ties the area together really well.
Thanks for your message! I’d love to hear more about how the area has changed over time and I’m sure your family have some great stories. Are there any stories in your family from the pre-war era? Blitz?
@@CityEd. As far as I’m aware my great grandparents were evacuated to Pluckley in Kent, not far from where most of us are based now ironically, I’m pretty certain my great grandad’s house was bombed and they survived, he didn’t talk much about the era sadly but I was lucky to have a number of them around when I was a bit younger. After the war the house my Nan’s family had grown up in was knocked down in a post war redevelopment scheme which she always says was a shame as her grandmother kept the place very tidy. For me, the flats my great grandparents lived in that I used to visit is also no longer standing, 60’s architecture wasn’t entirely built to last!
Please continue with these videos!! Great work!
Keep uploading videos like that, I thoroughly enjoyed it 👍
Very much enjoyed this video. Looking forward to more content from you!
Wow, I watch a lot of the urban planning and architecture content on YT. For this to be your first video, it's an incredibly strong one-solid storyline, strong narrative, good pacing, clear audio with steady levels, editing pacing spot on with the script. Very well done! I'd say the only crit that pops into mind is that your source citations in the lower thirds stylistically stand out a bit too much in the way it draws the viewers eye towards it. Citation/credit is nice and love that you do it, but it's one of the few times I've watched a video and read each one. 😅
Well done! I've liked and subbed and looking forward to your videos to come!
(edit/added comment: I really like this length, too. It makes for a perfectly digestible video to sit down and watch. When they go on longer and approach 20-30 minutes, I mark them as "watch later", which-unfortunately-I'm horrible at going back to watching later even if I'm really looking forward to the content-but depending on the audience you attract, YMMV of what length works best.)
Thank you for your encouraging comment Spektograf! I’ve noted your tip re my citations. Totally agree, I’ll make them less prominent in future videos. Glad you liked the pacing and storyline! Totally agree re 10 mins being the sweet spot - I’m much more likely to click on videos under 15 mins (over 15 mins feels like a commitment!) so I’ve been aiming for my videos to be a similar length. Thanks again, I’m looking forward to my next video!
This was an amazing video! You should talk about Croydon next as it is similar to Elephant & Castle in many ways.
Great suggestion! I was in Croydon the other day. The changes have been phenomenal. There are so many areas of London that I love - I could make endless videos!
Nice video really enjoyed it. You should definitely continue and make more! Looking forward to the next vid
Thank you mate! More to come, hopefully next week
Subbed, I've been looking for this kinda channel, plenty of US based urban planning channels, but few if any about UK towns and cities.
Really grateful, thank you!
Really enjoyed watching this.. hope you make more! How about one on Clapham Junction / Wandsworth? Lots of development going on there
Thank you! That’s a great idea, I’ll add that area to my list
I’m a big fan of John Rogers & Jago, but I’d like to agree with others - I like your positivity and optimism about modern alterations to London. Keep it up - subscribed! ☺️
Really appreciate this mate thank you. To be compared to Jago is an honour!
Thanks for the video. Good job. In future, please could you provide links in the description tab for sources you use.
I was raised in an area not far from E&C and visited there / went through there frequently, especially when studying at London South Bank University. The shopping centre was definitely drab but was also a hub for many residents of South American origin; I wonder how they have been affected by this. I'm also very surprised all those thousands of residents were relocated within the area - council waiting lists in London are huge and folks often have to wait many years before they are given anywhere to live.
Don't want to sound too negative - it really looks as though the area is a significant improvement on what it used to be, but for who's benefit? Looking at rent prices there, obviously those who have money.
Really enjoyed. Great video. Looking forward to more.
That was really interesting video about a part of London I knew little about, I think you should keep going with this.
Really interesting! I was sceptical about the redevelopment before watching your video and am a bit of a fan of brutalism but I’m a sucker for the trees and pavement cafes and I like the new architecture in the area. I’ll have to check out the area next time I’m in London! A well-made video, I look forward to the next one!
Thank you mate! Fellow brutalism fan here - definitely want to do a video exploring London’s brutalism.
I absolutely enjoyed watching this - well done CityEd. Psyche aka Psyche Thompson UK 🌹
Amazing first video, great to hear people talking about my local area. I definitely agree that Elephant Park is a great example of placemaking, a couple of years ago I was definitely down on the development, it somehow felt both cramped and empty at the same time, surrounded by a wall of blank/empty flats. Now the new shops have opened and activated the perimeter of the space and the flats have filled up it's a total revelation lovely green space (particularly the large trees!) but full of activity, really a good focal point for the area. It doesn't even feel too studenty, despite the concentration of student blocks.
Not so much of a fan of the new brick high rises on the periphery, they just feel imposing to me and the bay-window balconies seem more like barred-up dark empty holes. Using bricks also always feels dishonest on blocks like these, they're concrete/steel buildings and they never quite hide that the bricks are just "stuck on". At least they got the proportions basically right though, there are worse ones of these being built in other places!
The roundabout->bend transformation I can't say is a big success really, it's not great for drivers or cyclists and the main roads are still a traffic sewer. Not sure how much else could have been done though. The road changes to the smaller roads have been great though, feels like car infestation and heavy traffic are basically evicted from the local area, it's a much nicer place to be.
Please make more videos, your style is excellent - I really liked the historic images and graphic integration, really smooth and effective.
Thank you for your comment Bearbin I really appreciate your kind words! I think it's incredible how much the trees contribute towards the area already feeling quite mature and established. Now that you mention it, I'd be interested to see how large those balconies on the Rodney Road 'mansion blocks', and whether they are heavily used.
I totally agree on the roundabout it doesn't feel safe as a cyclist or a pedestrian and it is a big gaping road still, but I understand that this is fairly necessary due to Elephant & Castle's prominent location on the London road network. I also hope they get rid of some of the guardrail between the tube station and the Metropolitan Tabernacle. It really divides the area in half and I think this could do with some treatment.
Really grateful for your last comment - it will certainly encourage me to make more videos. Thanks again
Loved it. Keep the videos coming!
Excellent Video, I grow up near (The Oval 1960s) the elephant, which is what the locals called it, we used to go shopping there it is interesting to see how much it has changed, mostly for the better, but I did not see the landmark shiny metal water block on the big roundabout I always used to going past it?
it's interesting seeing how the development is going - more green space is always welcome
Great video! Keep it up and looking forward to next video 👏🏼
Fantastic video! Would you ever consider doing a video on Earls Court and the demolition/redevelopment there?
Definitely! Looks like that area is shaping up really well.
Amazing video. I think this a better example of how urban regeneration/renewal should happen. Compared to places like pontoon dock, where the new apartment buildings create a sterile, almost closed for dystopian atmosphere from their monotony, I think Elephant & castle does a lot better. Regeneration should be done while working with nature and history, otherwise it’ll either be a mismatched sprawl of hideous modern buildings, or a monotonous and hope depleting “modern estate” like in pontoon dock.
Fantastic video, dying to see what's next!
Great video, phenomenal find. I look forward to more videos. thank you algorithm
Glad you enjoyed! Thank you
Well this video came as a nice surprise! Nice one mate, excellently narrated. We need more urbanist content like this on South London. It's so little talked about compared to North of the Thames & Docklands.
My man! Thank you so much! Will give you a tour when you move down here
Congratulations on this video. You have a great idea and the potential for endless content. I haven't been to Elephant and Castle for a long time and it was interesting to see how the gentrification of the area has changed it. Redevelopment is great, but I feel that gentrification breaks up established mainly working class and poor communities, so it only really benefits a wealthier section of the population. Rant over. Well done again. Really enjoyable video.
Great video. I agree that the area has improved a huge amount.
The Lambeth Walk estate is another area that could use similar treatment. It's criminally low density for such a central site.
Wonderful video. I live in one of the apartments over looking elephant park and it really feels like I’m living in the park. Especially now spring has passed and the trees are full of greenery. ❤
Fantastic! It looks like a great place to live
Wats the rent like there?
@@kwameopoku3576 I am in a one bedroom new build in PCW - I moved in December 2023 - £2204 a month
Thoroughly enjoyed! As someone else said, there's a gap in urbanist TH-cam. Refreshing to see someone covering new developments in a positive light.
Thank you for your kind comment!! I’m really looking forward to my next video - hopefully sometime next week
Great video! As an incoming international student, these types of city area assessments are so satisfying! I would love to see a video on the Deptford/ Deptford Landing area as it seems like an interesting redevelopment plan.
Thank you so much! You know, I’ve only ever passed through Deptford! I need to get off the bus there one day and have an explore. thanks for the suggestion I’ve added it to my list
Excellent video! Keep going mate!
Loved the video! Please keep them coming!
Thank you for your encouragement! Got another video coming out very soon
Nice work! It's a great video talking about gentrification without mentioning the word. I don't know how you did it! 10/10!!
Amazing video, love it - definitely gave me a new perspective on viewing E&C!
Fab video! Keep up the good work! 💪
Honestly impressed how quickly you went from recommended to subscribed! 😅
A really fascinating video, you really captured how I feel about that space (though it always feels hard to admit because of the difficult history of that site).
I lived in Kennington from 2014 to 2023, and I'm already missing the area. The new townhouses by Elephant always particularly appealed but are almost certainly out of price range. (An attempt to buy a flat on Walworth Road failed when a bank wouldn't give it a mortgage.)
One of the interesting things about that shopping centre was that because it was doomed, it had rents and availability much better than elsewhere in the same area so tended to act as an experimental space for new ideas, like Mamuska, the Polish restaurant mini chain that after building a reputation there then moved to a permanent site under Waterloo.
Great video!
Thanks Gummibaerchen234!
Very professional looking video and great content. As I used to say to my X-wife "keep up the good work"
Thank you! Appreciate this
Beautifully informative and soothing video, thank you
Thank you for this! Really appreciate
Great video, thanks, I like the historic content too. I do get the impression that this new housing is mostly expensive and unaffordable compared to the previous council developments. But times have changed haven't they.
Great video. I'm from West Virginia in the US and you've sold Elephant & Castle to me. I'm packing my bags.
Loved this keep it up! I’d be interested in your perspective on places like Walthamstow high street and village which having grown up there in the 70s/80s and then seen a decline it’s such a joy to see it coming back to life. Cheers k
Thanks Keith! I still need to visit Walthamstow but I’ve heard great things about the Mini Holland scheme - would love to do a video about it
Really enjoyed this. elephant and castle has changed a lot since I was last there 15 years ago. It would be interesting to do a comparison with Nine Elms, which does not seem to have been so successful in creating a sense of place.
Please continue making videos like these!
fantastic video! instant subscribe! im not from london, often go there, never been to elephant&case, this got me really interested.
Really nice video mate, keep em coming! 🙂
great little video!