Plans to revamp a ‘depressing’ part of London will see more than 1,700 new homes created in the area, though reaction from the local community has been mixed.
Developer Landsec Lewisham Limited has submitted an extensive redevelopment proposal for the Lewisham Shopping Centre, signalling a significant transformation of the town centre over the next decade.
The plan, which the Lewisham Council’s Strategic Development Committee is scheduled to review today, envisages the demolition of the existing 1970s mall and the adjacent multi-storey car park to make way for a series of high-rise towers and mixed-use facilities.
Currently, the shopping centre is home to more than 65 outlets, including H&M, M&S and Boots.
The ambitious project is structured in six phases over ten years, aiming to deliver approximately 1,744 new homes. Of these, 329 would be affordable units, split between social rent and discounted market rates directed at key workers.
The remainder of the housing would be private residences.
In addition, the plan incorporates accommodation for 661 students and introduces a 23-storey co-living tower comprising 445 shared homes with communal spaces such as kitchens and lounges.
Landsec also aims to revitalise Lewisham’s social and cultural infrastructure, with a new entrance to the shopping centre, a live music venue with 500 seats, creative workspaces, and the restoration of the Model Market food court, which ceased operations in 2019.
A core feature is the creation of an eight-acre urban green space, incorporating a meadow and over 300 new trees, designed to boost biodiversity and offer accessible recreational areas.
The development also aims to pedestrianise the high street area, promoting dining and entertainment options in collaboration with over 3,000 local residents’ feedback.
Community reactions
Supporters highlight the potential economic benefits of the proposals, as well as the creation of numerous jobs across construction and retail sectors, the cultural enhancements and the prospect of modern housing options.
Opponents, including the Lewisham People’s Assembly, who have set up an online petition, have called for a minimum of 50% genuinely affordable homes to ensure community inclusiveness.
They also highlight worries about the high volume of student and co-living units, which some describe as ‘profit-driven,’ fearing these may accelerate gentrification and displace established residents.
However, users on Reddit have expressed disdain for those opposing the development.
One user, calling themselves fgrimes23, wrote: ‘Replacing an ugly old shopping centre and car park with modern retail space and 1700 homes is good [in my opinion]’.
And TheNarwhalTusk echoed: ‘If it was successful it wouldn’t need saving. It’s not. Replacing it with more homes is a good thing.’
One user added: ‘This sounds good to me, I live in Lewisham and walking around the centre is depressing, [it’s] a complete toilet so this can only be a good thing.’
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Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s and Primark have submitted objections over the lack of clear assurances that they will be able to continue trading throughout the construction period and maintain access to emergency escape routes.
And nearby Greenwich Council has expressed reservations about the impact of the proposed tower blocks — some reaching up to 35 storeys — on protected heritage views from surrounding parks and the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site.
The redevelopment’s potential impact on local healthcare services has also featured prominently in consultations.
The NHS has signalled concerns that the new development will significantly increase demand for services, requesting a financial contribution of £2.8 million to mitigate these effects.
Landsec has agreed to contributions totalling £5 million towards pedestrian and cycling infrastructure upgrades, while Network Rail has requested £828,000 for station enhancements, with planning officers proposing a reduced sum of £500,000.
The council’s forthcoming decision faces the challenge of balancing regeneration aims with social equity, heritage protection, and the preservation of Lewisham’s community fabric.
Should approval be granted, construction is expected to commence in early 2026, with phased completion projected by the late 2030s, marking a profound change to the town centre’s character and urban landscape.
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