Transforming Deptford High Street
Across Lewisham, we are working with local communities to create lively town centres and to improve our high streets. As part of our commitment to climate action and improving air quality, significant investment is also being made to ensure Lewisham’s streets are easier and safer to travel sustainably.
As we look to the future of Deptford High Street, we want to build on what is great about Deptford while making sure the area reflects the needs of everyone in the community.
To ensure this, we have been gathering feedback from the community about what they want for the future of Deptford High Street over the last two years.
- In 2023, we surveyed over 750 members of the community, and found the majority wanted further pedestrianisation and improvements to the public space.
- We have been working closely with businesses and traders since September 2024 to find out more about their priorities and specific needs for the proposed improvements. We conducted a survey, three workshops and two drop-in sessions, and continued the conversations with follow up meetings and site visits. This feedback has helped guide our design proposal.
- In December 2024, we conducted an on-street poll and found 93% of people were walking, cycling, or using public transport to get to the area and over 70% intended to spend money in the high street shops and/or markets whilst visiting
Guided by all of this feedback, we have developed a design proposal that aims to make the area more welcoming, greener, safer and an even better place to trade and do business.
What we are proposing
To improve the public space and make the high street safer for everyone by pedestrianising part of Deptford High Street from New Cross Road to Hamilton Street every day during set hours. Currently part of the high street is pedestrianised three days a week for the markets.
As well as improvements including new greenery, safety features, better waste management and street cleanliness as well as opportunities for businesses and the community to make the most of the new space. Read more about the design proposal and the benefits here and full list of Frequently Asked Questions here.
Local business and trading
Local businesses and market traders are at the centre of our high street improvements. A new report by Living Streets found that people walking and wheeling spend more money than people arriving by car, and pedestrianised town centres have higher volumes of sales. By making the area more welcoming, accessible and exciting, we expect more people to come to the high street to shop, dine and enjoy entertainment.
Since September 2024, we have been working closely with local businesses and market traders to find out more about their priorities. In addition to measures to make the area safer and cleaner, we have made changes to our design to accommodate any parking and access concerns raised with us, as well as included opportunities for outdoor trading and making the most of the new space.
Immediate steps
We know there are concerns about the safety and cleanliness of the high street which is why we have commenced a wider programme to crack down on fly tipping, improve waste management, address vandalism and fix any street lighting issues in the area. You can read more about our immediate steps here.
Have your say
We want to ensure the transformation of Deptford High Street is designed by and for local people. So, residents, businesses, traders, community groups and visitors to Deptford High Street are now encouraged to have their say on the proposal by completing our survey before Wednesday 14 May 2025.
There are also various upcoming in-person sessions where you can find out more about the improvements and speak to our team directly.
Deputy Mayor Louise Krupski, Lewisham Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Climate Action said: “As we look to the future of town centres, we want to work with the community at every stage to make sure our improvements are designed by and for local people while ensuring no one is left behind.
“With over 60% of Lewisham residents using public transport for commuting, and many walking or cycling as part of their daily routines, we're focusing on making it easier for them to travel actively, safely and sustainably while also creating more space for people to enjoy what the high street has to offer.”
Other notes
- Please read our Frequently Asked Questions here.
- The Council is investing in our high streets, affordable workspaces and business communities across the borough and in particular, Deptford and New Cross, as one of the capital’s Creative Enterprise Zones. Our new Inclusive Economy Lewisham strategy outlines our vision to grow an ambitious and resilient local economy and attract visitors to our high streets.