Have Your Say: Catford Town Centre
Shaped by four years of consultation and over 3,000 comments and ideas from residents, The Catford Town Centre Framework has set ambitions for a greener, more vibrant and accessible town centre.
Opportunity for new public space
If Transport for London (TfL) are successful in re-routing the South Circular road away from the town centre, there will be an opportunity for the Council to create a new temporary public space in the centre of Catford.
New cycling and walking-friendly areas, as well as space dedicated to communal and civic events, leisure and play, could turn the heart of Catford into a place for everyone in the community to enjoy and local businesses to thrive.
Share your views
We are now asking residents, businesses, and community groups to give feedback on design ideas and themes for this exciting new public space.
Share your views before 20 July 2024 by:
- completing the survey online
- attending a drop-in session and or fill out a paper survey at Catford Library
Thursday, 13 June, 2pm to 4.30pm
Thursday, 9 July, 1pm to 3.30pm
Tuesday, 16 July, 1pm to 3.30pm
Following the consultation, the Council will then use the responses to further develop the designs.
This work is subject to additional external funding.
Frequently asked questions
Which area does the public space project cover?
The new public space will be created on the roads, footpaths and traffic islands of the existing Catford Road between Catford Broadway Theatre and Thomas Lane.
How did the designs come about?
Shaped by four years of consultation and over 3,000 comments from residents, The Catford Town Centre Framework (adopted in 2021) is a blueprint for change. It sets out the vision for a greener, more vibrant and accessible town centre and has been used to guide the design ideas for the new public space project.
Who can comment on the designs?
At this stage, the Council is seeking feedback from residents, community groups and businesses.
It is important that long-term, major projects are designed with the interests and needs of everyone in the community in mind.
Why is the new public space temporary?
The new public space will be temporary, to begin with and will remain in place until the Civic Suite and Laurence House site are re-developed (as per the Catford Town Centre Framework) when the public spaces will be made more permanent.
If the temporary changes prove to be successful and popular amongst the community, they could become part of the future permanent public space.
What is happening with the South Circular?
Transport for London (TfL) is working with Lewisham Council to support plans to transform Catford Town Centre.
TfL have submitted a planning application for the re-alignment of the South Circular, so it will pass Laurence House to the south.
If TfL is successful in securing full funding and planning permission, it will free up space for new public space where the road is currently situated.
What is TfL’s role in the project and how will they work with Lewisham Council?
TfL is working in partnership with Lewisham Council to support the Council’s ambitious plans to transform Catford Town Centre.
If TfL secures the full funding and planning permission to move the South Circular away from the town centre. This will help facilitate the Council’s aspirations for Catford to become a nicer and greener place to live, work and visit.
The consultation, design and implementation of the new public space will be the responsibility of Lewisham Council.
How will this project improve safety and antisocial behaviour concerns in Catford Town centre?
The Council recently introduced new CCTV cameras within the town centre and will be working closely with the police and local businesses to tackle antisocial behaviour.
As well as this, the design for the new public space will consider a robust lighting strategy, appropriate night and daytime use and activation to improve safety.
If the proposals for the new public space in Catford go ahead, when will the works begin?
The works for new public space in Catford Town Centre can only begin once construction of TfL’s new re-aligned South Circular has been completed, and the new road is ready for use. This is likely to happen in 2028.
The construction work for the new public space in Catford can begin soon afterwards.
How disruptive will this development be?
By the time new public space works start, the current Catford Road will have been closed and the new alignment of the South Circular will be in operation. The main impact will be on servicing access to the buildings fronting Old Catford Road.
While it is too early to provide detailed information about the construction work, the Council will make every effort to minimise disruption to residents and those using the town centre. For example, access to pavements for pedestrians will be maintained as much as possible. Safe and clearly marked diversions will be created for pedestrians at points where this cannot be avoided.
Will I still be able to access the shops along Catford Broadway and the shopping centre during construction of the new public space?
Access to the existing shops (along Catford Broadway and the shopping centre) will be maintained during construction.
Will I be able to cycle or drive through the new public space into Catford Town Centre?
Building on the community’s aspirations for a green, vibrant, and accessible town centre, the Council have structured the initial design ideas and themes around creating a public space that is pedestrian and cycling-friendly.
It will be necessary to maintain vehicle access through the public space to allow various businesses to operate and to maintain access to the underground car park of Laurence House along with routes for cyclists. Drop-off points for car and taxi journeys will also be considered.
Who is paying? Will it raise our council tax?
No, this project will not impact the cost of your Council Tax. Funding for the improvements will need to be secured from many sources, including external funding.
The Council is seeking a scheme that is realistic, achievable, and financially viable in the long term.
Will local businesses be pushed out?
By creating a pleasant public space that is easy to access, enjoyable to visit and spend time in, the Council expects to see an increase in economic opportunities and exposure for local businesses.
Are these the final designs?
No, these are initial design ideas only and the feedback collected from this consultation will help to guide the design development.
Will new homes be built as part of the project?
No, this consultation only relates to new public space project in Catford.