Catford Broadway and Catford Market already play a significant role in terms of the local economy. However, in a few years’ time both may become even more important.
The Council hopes to make substantial changes to the town centre as a whole and, in order to facilitate this, Catford Shopping Centre might need to close for between 1-2 years. If that were to happen, Catford Broadway and Catford Market would have even greater significant as places to shop and socialise.
In 2011, the Council successfully obtained £125,000 from Round 1 of the Mayor of London's Outer London Fund to develop designs and carry out feasibility surveys to explore how Catford Broadway could provide a better environment for businesses, residents and shoppers. The results of this work formed part of a bid for further Outer London Fund money, and in January 2012 it was announced that just under £1.5 million has been allocated to carry out a series of improvements. The Council is providing approximately £600,000 in match funding.
Specific projects include:
a complete refurbishment of the street, with new lighting and seating, and a brand new, level 'shared' surface that will improve accessibility and resolve issues such as drainage
pedestrianising the street while still allowing vehicular access for businesses, market traders and residents living on Catford Broadway
- improving the condition and overall look of a number of shop fronts
The refurbishment of the street is scheduled to begin June 2013 and take until early 2014. Work will be carried out in phases, so the shops can remain open throughout. The market will also continue to operate as usual, although stalls will be temporarily relocated while their usual location is being worked upon.