Gasholder No. 13, on Old Kent Road in Southwark, London, is an important part of the city’s industrial history. Built between 1879 and 1881 by engineer George Livesey, it was once the biggest gasholder in the world. Its metal frame is 160 feet tall and is now protected as a Grade II-listed building. It’s one of the last remaining parts of the old gasworks that once supplied energy to South London.
The gasholder is a great example of Victorian engineering, with thin, elegant iron supports that were very advanced for the time. Even though it hasn’t been used for years, it still stands as a reminder of London’s past.
Now, the gasholder is part of a large new project by developer Avanton. The plan is to turn the four-acre site into a new neighbourhood, with homes, shops, offices, and public spaces. The gasholder’s metal frame will be kept and turned into a special feature in a new public park, surrounded by gardens and water. The full project will cost £230 million and is part of a bigger £800 million investment in the Old Kent Road area. More than 2,100 new homes are planned. It also connects with the planned Bakerloo Line extension, which will bring two new train stations to the area.
Bringing New Life to South London: “The Lightholder”
South London, and especially the Old Kent Road area, has often been seen as less attractive than the North. This is largely because the area still feels industrial, with many warehouses and few public or cultural spaces. Our proposal aims to change this by improving the area’s appearance and identity even before the wider development is completed.
We propose a temporary light installation called “The Lightholder”, which will use the existing frame of Gasholder No. 13. This installation will run during the darker months, from October to March, when the sun sets early, around 5 PM. It will turn the gasholder into a glowing landmark that can be seen from a distance, drawing attention to its history and unique structure. The lights will create a beautiful visual experience, giving the area a strong identity and a reason for people to visit and engage with the space.
The installation will be easy to set up and remove, and it is designed to avoid causing disturbance to local residents. Because the site is not currently accessible, the lights will be designed to be appreciated from afar.
In the future, when the park around the gasholder is open, the structure could also host a more interactive or immersive light exhibition, possibly within a pavilion inside the frame.
“The Lightholder” will help bring attention, creativity, and energy to the area. It celebrates the gasholder’s industrial past while shining a light—literally and symbolically—on the future of South London.
Location: London, UK
Date: 2024
