Of all the changes proposed to take place across the borough, it is Lewisham town centre where regeneration will be most concentrated. New homes, shops, offices, entertainment venues and a new road layout are all on the way to transform the town centre.
Urban Renaissance in Lewisham - a regeneration partnership led by Lewisham Council from 2000-2007 - first developed the proposals for 'Lewisham Gateway', linking the transport interchange to the high street. In 2004, Lewisham Gateway Developments - a consortium comprising Muse Developments and Taylor Wimpey - was appointed the preferred developer to deliver the scheme.
Lewisham Gateway is key to the changes due to take place in the town centre, but there are other developments planned. In line with current Central Government legislation, an Area Action Plan has been developed which sets out a comprehensive range of policies and procedures to guide future development in the town centre.
This highlights five other 'opportunity areas' and sets out how Lewisham town centre will move from its current status as a 'major centre' within London to become a 'metropolitan centre', in recognition of its significance within the Thames Gateway.