Multi-million scheme set to change the face of Lewisham

Lewisham Council is set to change the face of the borough thanks to a new £250 million development, it has been revealed.

This month, work started on the first phase of Lewisham Gateway, which is said to be one of the largest and most complex regeneration projects in the area.

The changes to the town centre will bring significant benefits to residents, commuters, shoppers and businesses, according to the council. 

As part of the works, the roundabout opposite Lewisham’s railway and DLR stations will be removed and replaced with a new road layout and development that will make it easier for pedestrians to travel between the stations and the town centre. 

In total, there are six phases to the scheme, which will be constructed over roughly a six-year period.

Additionally, the land next to the DLR station will be redeveloped. In this particular area, the project’s first buildings, will be located there. The adjacent area will also be landscaped to create a new park, Confluence Place, where the Quaggy and Ravensbourne Rivers meet.

In order to allow the project to go ahead, the existing bus stands in the vicinity will be relocated. 

Commenting on the scheme, Doug Finlay, director of Lewisham Gateway Developments, said: "This is an important scheme which will benefit the community and deliver major improvements in many ways to Lewisham town centre.

"We have worked closely with our public sector partners to get to this point. Whilst there are several years of construction activity ahead of us, we are acutely aware of the need to keep the town centre moving and trading as we bring the scheme forward."

Planning permission for the project was granted seven years ago, but has been subject to a number of delays since.

Around 800 homes are expected to be built as a result of the scheme, as well as new roads, and a brand new town square.

Published 28th May, 2014

© 2014 Estates IT Limited