Council releases consultation report and announces package of improvements for Deptford High Street

As part of the Council’s plans to create lively town centres and improve our high streets, we have been looking at the future of Deptford High Street. We want to build on what is great about Deptford, making sure the area reflects the needs of everyone in the community. 

The Council has carried out extensive engagement, ensuring residents and businesses help shape the future of this historic and iconic street. This has included workshops, pop-up events, face-to-face visits with traders and community members, and a comprehensive online survey. 

In addition, the Council organised targeted outreach through local networks, hosted drop-in sessions at community venues. Almost 3,000 people took part in the consultation, which included over 2,000 detailed comments. 

Following consultation held in April and May this year, the Council has decided to prioritise further enhancing the high street, and that no pedestrianisation scheme will come forward without further engagement.

What mattered most

• Maintenance and cleaning: The consultation revealed strong public interest in improving cleanliness and waste management. Many people welcomed the council’s focus on the area, particularly through enhanced waste collection, and cleaner streets. 
• Safety and anti-social behaviour: Enhancements such as improved lighting were well received, and many respondents felt this would make the high street feel even more welcoming. 
• Pedestrianisation concerns: Local people felt this could lead to a loss of temporary parking and increased difficulty for deliveries and emergency access. 
• Greenery and planting: This was broadly supported, especially tree planting. 

To find out more about how feedback has influenced the future of Deptford High Street, read the full engagement report or an illustrated two-page summary.

Responding to feedback, the council has already repainted the lighting columns along the high street, and neighbouring Douglas Way and Creekside, removing graffiti and stickers. A deep cleaning exercise of the footway areas along the whole length of Deptford High Street is programmed in for September.

Further action includes

• deep cleaning of footways and removal of graffiti 
• removing old phone boxes, damaged signs and poles 
• extra enforcement to tackle illegal parking and anti-social behaviour
• improved waste and fly-tipping management, including installing more bins
• introducing additional planting in the area, including new sustainable drainage systems and rain gardens
• improved lighting, especially under the railway bridge  
• enhanced signage and wayfinding to make it easier to get to businesses
• installing cycle hangars 

Further announcements giving timelines will be made shortly.

Deputy Louise Krupski, Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Transport and Environment said: “Deptford High Street is an amazing and historic space. We have been working with the community at every stage to ensure local people are shaping this iconic area’s future. Our goal is to celebrate what makes Deptford special while ensuring it meets the needs of the entire community." 

Councillor Ese Erheriene, Cabinet Member for Business, Jobs and Skills said: “Residents and businesses have spoken clearly and we have listened carefully - their views have genuinely shaped the future of Deptford High Street. Guided by their feedback from our consultation, we are ensuring the area is even more welcoming, cleaner and safer and a fantastic place to trade and do business."