Lewisham Council launches first projects in Catford's green future

Our vision is for Catford town centre to be one of the greenest town centres in London. Two projects, driven by community involvement in the draft Framework Plan, are now ready to share with local people: proposals to improve the station area, helping more people to walk and cycle to and from the area; and the restoration of the former Catford Constitutional Club building.

Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, Councillor Paul Bell said:

“Our ambitious vision for Catford has been shaped by input from thousands of local people. We’re delighted to kick-start the regeneration with two projects that really respond to ideas raised by Catford residents and will provide real benefits to the local community.

“Proposals for the station area will allow local people to reclaim this space and make the most of the riverside setting as well as bringing much-needed improvements to enable safe walking and cycling in line with the Council’s priority to make Lewisham greener.

“When the former Catford Constitutional Club closed in 2019, local people said loud and clear that they wanted a pub to return. We’ve listened to this feedback and we’re pleased to be able to present restoration plans that will help deliver a new pub for Catford and bring this incredible building back into use.

“Good Growth Funding from the GLA for Thomas' Lane Yard has allowed us to steer a project that brings together a new pub, space for arts, performance or music and, in the long term, homes for social rent and affordable workspace as well as sensitively restoring a historically significant building in the heart of the town centre.”

Station area improvements

We will use funding from developer contributions to deliver significant improvements to the area between Catford and Catford Bridge stations to create a welcoming, new place for local people and commuters.

Early ideas which the architect team, BDP, will share with the local community this month include:

• A double-width pavement on the north side of Catford Road between the steps to the London-bound platform at Catford Bridge and Catford station, achieved by extending the pavement out over Adenmore Road below.
• Opening up the underpass below the South Circular Road to make it easier to walk and cycle.
• Two broad river decks creating a pleasant place to pause and meet outside the stations with new planting and seating.
• Covered cycle parking along the outside wall of Catford Bridge station.

Join the project team for a socially-distanced walk about on Wednesday 26th May or sign up for a free online information session on Tuesday 25th May, 6-7pm or Thursday 27th May, 6-7pm. Find out more, register for events or share your feedback on the proposals on the Catford Stations Area Commonplace website.

Former Catford Constitutional Club

Turner Works together with Hayatsu Architects and Surman Weston, the architect and design team appointed to reimagine the use of Catford’s oldest building, is also ready to reveal exciting new plans for the former Catford Constitutional Club in online Zoom sessions taking place on Tuesday 18th May, 6-7pm and Thursday 20th May, 6-7pm. Sign up to join a consultation session on the Beyond Broadway Catford website.

The locally listed Victorian building was forced to close in August 2019 due to structural and safety issues. The adjoining Georgian house, the oldest building in Catford and the only existing part of the original farm dating from 1736, has been derelict for over 20 years but will soon be refurbished as part of the Thomas’ Lane Yard proposals enabled by the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund.

In summer, a planning application will be submitted to refurbish the building, which will reopen as a pub with space for arts, performance or music activities. Further proposals later in the year will explore outdoor yard spaces to complete the vision for the Thomas’ Lane Yard, one of the first sites to come forward as part of the Catford Town Centre Framework.

Learn more about the early plans and share your ideas via the Beyond Broadway Catford website.

A sketch view showing ideas for the former Catford Constitutional Club building: