Castle Square sits at the heart of Elephant & Castle, and Get Living is committed to keeping its diverse, independent character central to The Elephant. 

You may have seen that Get Living are currently taking action to address a small number of long-running arrears issues.  From the outset, Get Living have taken action to resolve outstanding payments through open and constructive dialogue with market traders. We deeply regret that, despite eighteen months of intensive engagement, four traders concerned have not been able to clear their arrears or agree to reasonable payment plans that would allow them to continue trading at Castle Square. Get Living remain grateful for the cooperation of Castle Square traders as they seek to maintain a consistent, well-run trading environment where a diverse range of independent businesses can thrive. We recognise the sensitivities of this situation and enforcement action is never the desired course of action – this has only been pursued by Get Living as a last resort after all reasonable alternatives were exhausted.

Castle Square’s traders are actively championed, all year-round, through a busy programme of promotions and community events that drive footfall, most notably the twice-yearly Urban Elephant festivals, which consistently attract over a thousand visitors to Castle Square on event days, alongside free seasonal activations throughout the year. Get Living is proud of the active engagement with traders through regular forums and direct contact, focused on listening, problem‑solving and practical support to keep day‑to‑day trading running smoothly.

Looking ahead, The Elephant will deliver significant local benefits, including new homes, restaurants and shops, a new university campus for the London College of Communication, workspace, leisure and cultural facilities, a new London Underground ticket hall enabled for the Bakerloo line extension and public realm. As these plans come forward, Get Living and its operational partners will keep championing Castle Square – highlighting traders and events through monthly updates and regular promotional activity to help drive footfall. The focus remains on partnership: supporting traders to succeed and ensuring Castle Square and The Elephant continues to thrive as a welcoming, vibrant destination for the community.

What’s happening with the traders at Castle Square?

Get Living have been working through a few long-standing payment issues with a small number of traders. Over the past 18 months, they have had many conversations and offered support to help five traders manage their arrears and electricity costs. Unfortunately, despite best efforts, they haven’t been able to reach sustainable payment agreements with them. Taking formal action is always a last resort, and they have only done so after exploring every reasonable alternative. The priority is to keep Castle Square a well-managed, welcoming place where a diverse range of independent businesses can succeed.

What support has been offered to traders?

Get Living have provided ongoing support to traders since their relocation to Castle Square, and in particular over the past 18 months, including:

  • Since their relocation, traders at Castle Square have been provided an affordable rent at almost a 50% discount to market rates.
  • Personalised advice on managing payments and resolving arrears.
  • Flexible, reasonable payment plan options.
  • Practical day-to-day trading support.
  • Regular events and marketing initiatives and social media support through dedicated channels to boost footfall.
  • Frequent check-ins via forums, one-to-one meetings, phone calls, and emails.

Are you engaging with Southwark Council regarding Castle Square? 

Yes, Get Living is in regular contact with Southwark Council and other key stakeholders to make sure there is alignment on how best to continue to provide support to the local community.

What is the relationship between Get Living and Delancey at The Elephant?

The Elephant is owned and operated by Get Living.  Delancey is the acting development manager, and has no involvement with the day to day running of Castle Square or the operational side of the neighbourhood.

How do these trader closures relate to the reports of Corsica also closing?

The two matters are unrelated.  Corsica Studios has played a unique and much-loved role in London’s cultural and nightlife scene. As per the statement put out by Corsica themselves on the 2nd October 2025 (Nothing lasts forever — Corsica Studios), Delancey and Get Living have worked closely with the venue and Southwark Council over many years to ensure a smooth transition into the renewed and purpose built venue at Elephant and Castle. The Elephant’s development partners are committed to securing Corsica Studios’ long term future at The Elephant with a significant investment in sound proofing and refitting of the club to enable its return in 2027 once the works are complete.

Any further enquiries about either matter should be directed to the Get Living press office –ectc@fieldconsulting.co.uk