The Sustainable Development Committee met to discuss town centre regeneration, focusing on progress in Lewisham and Catford. Key decisions included noting updates on the Lewisham Town Centre Improvement Programme and the Catford Town Centre Framework, with discussions also covering strategic infrastructure projects like the Bakerloo Line extension and the A205 road realignment.

Town Centre Regeneration

The committee received an update on the council's town centre regeneration programmes in Lewisham and Catford.

Lewisham Town Centre

Lewisham Shopping Centre Redevelopment: Planning permission was granted in October 2025 for LandSec's redevelopment of the Lewisham Shopping Centre. The project will deliver approximately 1,700 new homes, including 344 affordable homes, a 500-capacity culture and live music venue, a new public park, and improved public spaces. The scheme is designed to enhance the town centre's vitality and viability.

Lewisham Town Centre Improvement Programme: This £24 million programme, funded by the Government's Levelling Up Fund and the Council's Community Infrastructure Levy, is nearing completion. Key elements include:

• Public Realm Improvements: Significant progress has been made on enhancing the public realm along Lewisham High Street, with new paving, energy-efficient lighting, and street furniture installed. A new market service area at Burton's Yard is nearing completion, and a new pocket park at Plough Bridge, commemorating the 1968 floods, has opened. Designs for Active Travel Hubs at Clarendon Rise and near the station are also being finalised.
• Market Transformation and Canopy: Investment is being made to modernise the street market, which is vital to the local economy. New streetlights, seating, and planters have been installed, and paving works are nearing completion. A specialist market canopy, measuring 30 meters by 18 meters with lighting and electrical points, is being procured.
• Lewisham Library Refurbishment: The library is being transformed into a Library, Culture and Business Hub, offering new community spaces, meeting rooms, and workspaces. Construction began in September 2025, with completion anticipated in September 2026.

Lewisham Gateway (Filigree): Phase 2 of the Lewisham Gateway development experienced a catastrophic failure in its energy centre in February 2025, leading to power and water outages. Residents were temporarily rehoused, and remediation works are ongoing, with a water connection expected in November 2025 and completion of remediation works anticipated in summer 2026.

Catford Town Centre

Catford Town Centre Framework: The framework aims to regenerate Catford, with several key projects underway.

• The Catford Constitutional Club (The Catford House): Refurbishment of this historic building into a cultural and community venue is nearing completion, with an operator expected to open in November 2025. The project has faced challenges due to structural issues discovered on-site, requiring additional funding.
• Thomas' Lane Yard: This development will deliver 113 affordable homes, commercial space, and public realm improvements. Planning consent was granted in May 2025, and a strategic partner is being procured to deliver the scheme, with construction intended to start in 2026.
• Station Links: Improvements to public realm and accessibility around Catford and Catford Bridge stations are planned, funded by Section 106 contributions. Detailed design is underway, with construction forecast to commence in spring/summer 2026, subject to funding.
• Catford Town Centre High Street Place Lab: Lewisham Council is participating in a GLA programme to develop a Public Realm Delivery Plan for Catford Town Centre, focusing on Catford Broadway. This initiative aims to enhance public realm, support cultural activation, and improve market infrastructure, with a strategy expected by March 2026.
• Inclusive Economy and Affordable Workspace: Various projects are being supported through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to boost local jobs and footfall. These include grants for Sister Midnight to reopen the Brookdale Club as a music venue, for affordable creative workspace at 9 Holbeach Road, and to accelerate the relaunch of the cinema space at 32 Winslade Way. A new 'Lewisham Works' employment hub has also been established.
• Anti-Social Behaviour and Violent Crime: The council is working with the Metropolitan Police to address concerns about anti-social behaviour in Catford through targeted actions, increased police presence, and the use of CCTV.

Strategic Infrastructure

A205 Road Realignment: Planning permission was granted in September 2025 for the A205 road realignment in Catford. However, Transport for London (TfL) was informed in July 2025 that the scheme would no longer be funded through the Department for Transport's Major Road Network programme, creating a significant funding gap. The project will now pause while funding opportunities are reviewed.

Bakerloo Line Extension (BLE): Lewisham Council is collaborating with TfL and Southwark Council to advance the case for investment in the BLE. Phase one extends to Lewisham, with phase two potentially reaching Catford. A funding and financing study has been completed, and station feasibility studies are due to conclude later in 2025. TfL is developing its business case, with a preferred option expected in summer 2026. The council is working to support this by exploring opportunities for housing and job creation along the proposed route.

Select Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme and agreed to bring forward items to accommodate an additional discussion on dockless bike hire in March. The committee also confirmed the agenda for its next meeting.