Pioneer Centre, London SE15

This two-bedroom split-level apartment lies within Sir Owen William’s Grade II-listed Pioneer Centre on St Mary’s Road in Peckham. Built in 1935, the art deco building is characterised by expansive banks of windows that fill the rooms with light. Originally designed to house a health centre, residents have access to unrivalled facilities, including a striking 1930s swimming pool, tennis courts, gym and gated grounds. This apartment also has its own private rear terrace - an exceedingly peaceful reading spot amid climbing plants and leafy trees.



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, look to the History section below.



The Tour



The entrance to the apartment is on the first floor, which can be accessed by both a lift and stairs; the communal corridor has fantastic views of the indoor swimming pool.



The apartment unfolds across the ground and first floors. Making use of an upside-down plan, the living areas occupy the first floor, with the two bedrooms positioned on the ground level.



Entry is to the open-plan kitchen, living and dining room. Here, an entire wall of glazing opens directly to the private terrace and the greenery beyond, ensuring an easy sense of indoor-outdoor living. Black floor tiles run throughout, and the space is brilliantly sociable due to its open nature.



The kitchen has white worktops with plenty of storage concealed in the cupboards beneath. Configured in a U-shape, the space seamlessly connects to the dining and living areas at the front of the plan.



An original spiral staircase descends to the ground floor, where the two bedrooms lie. There is a large landing, which the current owners use as a multi-functional space that works as a study, kid's den and relaxing area. There is a built-in bench seat that doubles up as a day bed or guest sleeping area and conceals storage within. There are built-in shelves, plus a utility cupboard and a double cupboard for further storage. The main bathroom can be accessed here and has a shower and a useful laundry tower.



Both bedrooms are bright, generous rooms with windows onto greenery beyond. The main bedroom has plenty of space for a desk and an en suite shower room. The second bedroom is of a similarly generous size; both rooms have lightwells at high level to increase levels of natural light.



Outdoor Space



Sheets of glazing open onto a private terrace, with a wonderfully green outlook onto elderflower and apple trees beyond. There is ample space for a seating area; the current owners have arranged potted plants around the border, including yucca trees that provide privacy. The terrace makes for a wonderfully secluded spot, where birdsong can be heard and the morning sun enjoyed.



The Pioneer Centre was designed as the antithesis of corridor-dominated health facilities. Instead, Williams favoured large spans of uninterrupted space. On the outside, two square corners book-end a gently rounded middle section with rhythmic panelled windows. There were few internal walls, except ones made of glass, and this sense of airiness prevails now.



The apartment comes with an allocated parking space.



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, Kudu and several new independent bars. Hausu at Peckham Rye is just a 15-minute walk away and is a great new spot with vintage hi-fidelity sound and modern cuisine. 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. Two excellent pubs, The Earl Of Derby and The Hollydale, have recently opened, but the mainstay is the legendary Skehans, which won Time Out's 'Pub of the Year in 2024.



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. At the top of Telegraph Hill is the original D4100 pizzeria, one of the best neopolitan pizzas in London. It makes a great spot for sunset hangouts in the summer months.



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 North, via Clapham High Street (11 minutes). Southern trains run services to London Bridge with a journey time of around seven minutes. Easy connection to the Elizabeth Line means Soho is within easy reach too. 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. 99 years remaining / Service Charge: Approx. £3,950 per annum / Ground Rent: Approx. £125 per annum / Council Tax Band: C