Lewisham Council approved the hybrid application for the 6.8ha site-wide scheme, including outline plans and detailed first-phase proposals, on Thursday (16 October). It is being developed by Landsec’s regeneration arm Landsec U+I.
Studio Egret West’s phased masterplan features 20 per cent affordable housing alongside 660 student beds, 445 co-living residences and 3.2ha of green space. There is also a culture, arts and music space with room for 500 people.
Mae, working with Studio MULTI, and Archio, has designed detailed proposals for the first two buildings of the masterplan, including a 445-home co-living block and a residential scheme with one, two and three-bed apartments.
Delivery of the major regeneration project involves partially demolishing the 1970s Lewisham Shopping Centre.
Campaign group Just Space has criticised the submitted scheme for the scale of demolition proposed, though the AJ understands that this was based on incorrectly submitted carbon data.
Initial data showed that the scheme would release 248 million tonnes of CO2 over its lifetime, but this has now been corrected to 282,000 tonnes. The figures cover the embodied carbon of construction materials and processes, maintenance and replacement over 60 years, and the end of life of materials used.
Approval of the masterplan and first phase follow the unveiling of evolved proposals for the site in November 2024. These retain some existing buildings on Lewisham High Street, including the street market and the Art Deco former Woolworths building (1937). Both are set to be retrofitted.
An earlier vision of the scheme, unveiled in 2021 and put to public consultation in 2022, included 2,500 homes and the demolition of several buildings, including Lewisham House, which will now be part-retained.
Landsec chief operating officer Mike Hood said: ‘This is an exciting moment for the future of Lewisham’s town centre. These plans provide much-needed homes, community spaces and facilities that will enhance urban life for generations, while delivering sustainable returns that support our ambition for long-term growth.’
Studio Egret West commented: ‘Over three years of collaboration with Lewisham Council and local communities have helped shape a truly shared vision, one rooted in the aspirations of those who call Lewisham home. The proposals will create a thriving, inclusive and sustainable town centre that reflects Lewisham’s distinctive identity and future ambitions.
‘At the heart of the masterplan is a new park inspired by Lewisham’s historic meadows, a green, living landscape. This landscape-led vision transforms Lewisham Shopping Centre into a place of urban living, nature, culture and community, underpinned by ecological revitalisation and social inclusion.’
Studio Egret West, which has previously delivered the 10ha Mayfield Park scheme in Manchester, was appointed to draw up a masterplan for redeveloping Lewisham town centre in 2020 following a competition.
Current site view