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Lewisham

Lewisham is in a key location, just across the river from the Isle of Dogs but the area has suffered from high levels of deprivation and unemployment. The borough has low levels of literacy and numeracy. Development promises to to change this, offering new employment opportunities and high quality housing.

What is it?

Lewisham is an area with diverse communities and a busy town centre and markets. With its recent improvement in transport links, Lewisham has become an area of great development interest.

Where is it?

Located on the south western edge of the Thames Gateway, Lewisham is only 5.6 miles from London’s centre of business, Canary Wharf.

Vision

The aim is to tackle Lewisham’s high levels of poor housing by building 9,950 homes across the borough by 2016. Existing housing is undergoing a process of renewal, demolishing council housing blocks and creating new housing available both to rent and buy.

Lewisham Gateway plan - copyright DCLG

Typically the population of Lewisham works outside the Lewisham area. The regeneration planned for Lewisham aims to turn this employment pattern around. There are plans to expand the area's retail and leisure sectors creating new employment opportunities.Ìý

Another aim is to improve the quality of life for all of Lewisham’s inhabitants. The development plans include a number of parks and other environmental projects. The ‘Waterlink Way’, for example, will flow from the Thames at Creekside south down the ‘spine’ of Lewisham. The route is a joint walking and cycling path and passes through many of Lewisham’s green spaces.

Redevelopment also plans to tackle issues of Health and Education in Lewisham. Recently there have been large investments in these sectors, the £69m seven storey ward for Lewisham Hospital NHS Trust to name just one.

The Numbers

• Convoys Wharf could create 3,500 homes, 2,000 jobs and 70,000 sq.m of employment space.
• 700 homes are to be created in Deptford, One SE8.
• Lewisham Town Centre will have 1,000 new homes built and new retail and commercial space.
• Pepys estate in Deptford will create 250 new homes.
• 216 new homes will be developed on the Silwood Estate site.
• Catford Greyhound track could provide 600 new homes.
• Seager Distillery will provide 4,180 sq.m of commercial space.
• The Venson Site will provide 202 new homes and retail space.

When is it happening?

Many sites are still to have their planning approved – Convoys Wharf and Seager Distillery for example. Other sites are already under construction – Sunderland Estate renewal programme will complete in 2007.

All proposed projects in Lewisham will be completed by 2016, if not before.

Who is involved?

Lewisham Borough Council
English Partnerships

Deptford

Deptford was named an ‘Opportunity Area’ in the London Plan with the potential for 1,000 homes and 5,500 new jobs by 2016.

Convoys Wharf – Deptford

Plans for this area is still to be determined but it is proposed that some 3,500 homes will be built, 2,000 jobs will be generated and 70,000 sq.m of employment space will be created. This 16-hectare site along the waterfront is potentially the largest development scheme in the borough.

Silwood Estate – Deptford

Former local authority houses are being demolished to make way for 216 new homes due for completion in 2007.

Pepys Estate – Deptford

The area will be redeveloped to include 250 new homes and community facilities. The project is well underway and is due to be completed in 2007.

Deptford Station

Deptford Station is a key local development in the Lewisham area and is due to be finished in May 2008. There will be a new station building constructed including space for retail units. The new station will act as the main public transport interchange for the new Convoy Wharf development.

Deal’s Gateway – Deptford

Due for completion in 2009, the One SE8 development will create 700 homes with access to Deptford station as well as gym and café.Ìý

Catford Town Centre

Plans are underway to create a pedestrianised area linking the shopping centre to the Council offices and library. English Partnerships are working on plans to improve the Catford and Catford bridge stations. They are also working on developing 600 homes on the former greyhound track, due for completion in 2012.

Lewisham Town Centre

Served by the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and mainline rail, Lewisham Town Centre is easily accessible.

The refurbishment of the Riverdale Shopping Centre and renewal of the surrounding area will help to promote Lewisham as a magnet for shoppers.

The regeneration scheme should also create 1,000 new homes as well as retail and commercial space. The area is due to be developed over a period from 2008 to 2016.