Goldsmiths University is set to lease the Old Town Hall in Catford as part of the town centre's regeneration plans, Lewisham Council's Mayor and Cabinet confirmed.

The decision, made at a meeting on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, approves a 10-year lease for Goldsmiths to reprovide its design and fine art curriculum within the historic building. This move is expected to bring a significant boost to the regeneration of Catford town centre.

Pie chart illustrating the allocation of Lewisham Council's budget across various priority areas, with 'Health & Wellbeing' and 'Children & Young People' receiving the largest proportions.
Pie chart illustrating the allocation of Lewisham Council's budget across various priority areas, with 'Health & Wellbeing' and 'Children & Young People' receiving the largest proportions.

The Catford Town Centre Regeneration Update, detailed in the public reports pack for the meeting, outlines a multi-faceted approach to revitalising the area beyond the Goldsmiths lease. This includes a further report to be brought forward for approval on the A205 scheme, which will detail its scheme specifics, funding strategy, and delivery programme, particularly if alternative proposals emerge.

Pie chart illustrating the allocation of council budget across various services, with Adult Social Care and Children's Social Care Services representing the largest portions.
Pie chart illustrating the allocation of council budget across various services, with Adult Social Care and Children's Social Care Services representing the largest portions.

Furthermore, a budget allocation has been approved to support the Catford Town Centre Framework aspirations. The need for redesign and resequencing of these plans has been noted, influenced by the A205 scheme and the confirmed 10-year lease for Goldsmiths University.

A pie chart illustrating the breakdown of Lewisham Council's gross expenditure by service area, with 'Resident & Business Services' and 'Adult Social Care' being the largest allocations.
A pie chart illustrating the breakdown of Lewisham Council's gross expenditure by service area, with 'Resident & Business Services' and 'Adult Social Care' being the largest allocations.

In addition to the university's move, an increase in the contract value for Claremont Refurbishment Ltd for the former Catford Constitutional Club has been approved. The meeting also noted the equity position of Catford Regeneration Partnership Limited (CRPL). A detailed review of CRPL and its assets is planned to support a medium-term business plan, which will include engaging external advisors to explore refinancing options and reviewing asset disposal opportunities aligned with regeneration priorities.

The decision was confirmed at a Mayor and Cabinet meeting, as detailed in the Decisions 11th-Feb-2026 18.00 Mayor and Cabinet document.