Lewisham Council's Mayor and Cabinet has approved a new plan for Catford Town Centre, aiming to revitalise the area over the next four years. The plan, which integrates transport, housing, public realm, and town centre activation, marks a significant shift towards a retrofit first
approach, moving away from previous assumptions of wholesale demolition. This approach is described as more honest and credible in the context of the climate emergency, recognising that the greenest building is often the one already standing.
Councillor Daniel Dream, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration, Planning and Housing Delivery, highlighted the change in strategy. The plan includes endorsing the continuation of the Catford Regeneration Partnership Limited (CRPL) business plan, approving a new loan agreement of up to £500,000 to provide greater flexibility in managing CRPL's cash flow during the delivery of the regeneration programme, and writing off £1.28 million in unrecoverable arrears. Significant revenue and capital allocations have also been approved to support the plan's workstreams, including the preparation of a new Catford Town Centre Framework.
The council has also approved a £400,000 budget allocation for a financial assessment and comprehensive review of CRPL's purpose and future role in supporting the council's wider regeneration ambitions for Catford. CRPL is intended to support the long-term regeneration of Catford town centre and to improve economic, social, and environmental outcomes for residents. The plan aims to transform Catford into a connected, vibrant, and inclusive town centre capable of supporting economic growth, cultural activity, and high-quality urban living. The key findings and recommendations from this review are expected to emerge and will help to mitigate the council's ongoing financial exposure.
Key projects within the plan include revised A205 improvements and Catford Station Links. The revised approach for the A205 scheme includes targeted, multi-modal interventions focused on principal barriers to walking, wheeling, cycling, bus access and interchange within the existing highway layout. It prioritises safer crossings, reduced severance, more direct pedestrian routes, accessible public realm, improved access to development sites and rail stations, cycle parking, and targeted servicing changes. The Catford Station Links project aims to improve the eastern side of Catford Bridge station, the area along Adenmore Road between the two stations, and upgrade walking and cycling routes. It also includes upgrades to the existing A205 South Circular Road underpass adjacent to Catford and Catford Bridge railway stations, and a link between Cold Blow Lane and Woodpecker Road. The project will also explore potential additional western access to Catford Bridge station.
Another key project is the closure of Thomas Lane Car Park to facilitate affordable housing and public realm enhancements. The Thomas Lane Yard scheme will provide 113 affordable homes at London Living Rent levels, approximately 1,000 sqm of commercial floorspace, and approximately 3,000 sqm of new public realm. The benefits delivered by the scheme are considered to outweigh the loss of the existing parking provision. The statutory process to amend the Off-Street Car Park Order to discontinue Thomas Lane Yard car park is anticipated to be implemented from January 2027. Engagement will be undertaken with affected businesses and stakeholders as part of the consultation and implementation process. Alternative public parking is available at nearby Council-owned car parks, including Holbeach Road Multi-Storey Car Park and Canadian Avenue Car Park. Appropriate signage and communications will be provided as part of the closure process. The Council will review existing Blue Badge parking provision within Catford town centre, assess demand and utilisation, and review options for additional or alternative Blue Badge provision elsewhere within the town centre as a mitigation measure.
The plan also commits to restoring the iconic Catford Cat statue.
Councillor Corin Ashwell, Cabinet Member for Environment, Nature, Transport and Climate Action, welcomed the plan, emphasizing the importance of retrofitting existing buildings to address the climate emergency. The plan includes exploring opportunities for retrofit and refurbishment within the Catford Shopping Centre and Milford Towers. Councillor Samantha Gardiner, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, also expressed support, noting the plan's potential to improve the lives of residents in Milford Towers.
More details on the Catford Town Centre Business Plan 2026-2030 can be found in the Public reports pack.
