Lewisham town centre consultation results

We are investing £24m in Lewisham town centre to help boost the local economy and create new jobs. This is a once-in-a-generation transformation that will revitalise the market, library and high street. We wanted to make doubly sure that the changes we were suggesting reflected the needs and desires of the community.

Since October 2023, we have asked for your help in developing our designs for Lewisham market, library and high street. We have held multiple workshops with local groups and charities, popped-up in places like Glass Mill and the shopping centre, and run a six-week survey. Thousands of you got involved.

With planning permission for the three projects now approved, construction underway on the high street and work on the library and market canopy due to begin in the Spring, we wanted to show how your feedback has helped shape our plans.

Overall, you are excited by the changes to come. However some clear themes emerged and here’s how we’re responding.

• Maintenance: We're developing a strategy for regular inspections and public reporting so the new planters, greenery, seating and market canopy stay well looked after.
• Personal safety: We're improving lighting on the high street and CCTV around the market to help deter anti-social behaviour. For additional safety measures, we are also exploring local partnerships like Landsec and the community police.
• Support for market traders: We've been collaborating with market traders throughout the entire process to ensure they are kept informed and updated.
• Evening and nighttime: We will ensure any after-hours programming under the market canopy is varied and reflects the community. You've already given us loads of great ideas. We will report back once we've checked their feasibility.
• Toilets: You'd like there to be easy access to toilets for any evening or nighttime events. One option we're exploring is extending the community toilets scheme.
• Accessibility: We're improving pavements and removing obstructions like bollards and disused phone boxes to make the high street easier to navigate but will also review the placement of temporary street furniture like A-boards.
• Road safety: Concerns about young children's safety if the library, culture and business hub's main entrance was located on Lewisham High Street has led us to relocate it to the quieter Limes Grove for safer access.
• Inclusivity: You’ve challenged us to create a town centre where everyone feels welcome – all ages, genders, backgrounds and physical abilities. With your input, plans for the hub now include fully accessible Changing Places toilets, informal spaces for young people, bookable meeting rooms and a sensory space.

To find out more about how your feedback has influenced our designs, read the full engagement report or an illustrated two-page summary.

Full details of our Lewisham town centre improvements programme.