People of Bermondsey: Nigel Fleming and Juraj Marko, Joint MD’s of JTRE London
Could you start by introducing yourselves and explaining JTRE London's role in developing Bermondsey and SE1 areas?
We are Nigel Fleming and Juraj Marko, Joint MDs of mixed-use developer JTRE London.
We want to think we have been helping to positively enhance the area's fabric with our two projects here to date. On Southwark Park Road, our almshouse development Appleby Blue - delivered in partnership with United St Saviour’s Charity - has set a new benchmark for affordable older people’s housing, providing vital accommodation with exceptional quality and design for residents who need it most.
Nearby at Park Street, we have delivered Triptych Bankside, a new mixed-use destination with a range of offices, retail space and new homes that has transformed a rundown site and opened it up with new landscaping and public space that all can enjoy.
Your recent project has a distinctive architectural style. How do you think this influences SE1/Bermondsey's community vibe? - Juraj Marko
Almshouses have conventionally been designed to be quite inward-focused, but with the delivery of
Appleby Blue, we helped change that. The layout and design of the building promote openness and connectivity with the outside local community. Beyond the homes themselves, there is a community kitchen, gardens and a large community hall where regular events are hosted for different local groups including new mothers and babies. There is always a nice buzz here.
What drew JTRE London to Bermondsey/SE1, and how do you envision your work shaping its future?
The SE1 area is rich in heritage and offers a strong arts and cultural scene with the likes of the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe and the White Cube Gallery as neighbours. Combine this with great food, community spirit and transport links and you have real appeal. Our mission here is to build on this by transforming underutilised sites into great places that can be enjoyed by everyone, whether that’s workers, residents, neighbours or visitors.
What's your 'must-visit' spot in SE1 for someone new to the area? – Juraj Marko
It’s hard to beat Borough Market. Whether you are visiting during the day to shop and enjoy street food or coming back in the evening for dinner and drinks, there is always a great buzz about the place.
Turnips is a great example of this – a classic greengrocer by day and fine dining by night.
How does JTRE London plan to contribute to SE1/Bermondsey's growth in the coming years?
– Nigel Fleming
We have just acquired a new site at 220 Blackfriars Road as it happens. Working in partnership with Southwark Charities, we will be transforming it into a new mixed-use scheme with more new almshouses, office space, gardens and community facilities. It’s a win-win – we get to develop something really special while allowing the charity to continue to provide vital affordable accommodation.
What role do you believe placemaking plays in enhancing urban areas like Bermondsey/SE1?
– Juraj Marko
As a developer committed to creating sustainable and socially responsible places, we believe that placemaking is an essential part of this process. It is about creating spaces that are not only functional, but also beautiful, vibrant, and welcoming for all.
Embodying this, last year we were incredibly proud to launch the Shape Bankside Art Weekend, a three-day celebration of arts and culture with music, performance, talks, creative workshops and street food, in an immersive environment created by internationally renowned, London-based artist Jo Peel. It was a big success with over 1,000 people passing through, showcasing how the arts play a key part in placemaking.
If you had to describe Bermondsey/SE1 in three words, what would they be?
– Nigel Fleming
Fun, creative and cultural!
