Residents have voiced their opinions on the future of Lewisham Shopping Centre in an interactive ‘living room’ session at the mall’s Central Square last Saturday.
This session, which engaged with over 100 residents, was the first of several pop-up events planned over the coming weeks by Landsec, the developers of the shopping centre. There were also arts and crafts activities planned for young people, including a workshop where kids designed postcards based on their aspirations for the town centre.
Kate Honey, who is the community engagement leader at Landsec, said: “The living rooms are a way of sparking conversations not just about people’s stories from the past, but their hopes and aspirations for the future of Lewisham.”
A draft masterplan is currently in the works and aims to be ready by next year according to Landsec. The masterplan will include more places to eat, drink and shop, new homes, public spaces, walking and cycling links and space for local businesses.
Following public consultations held since 2021, Landsec told Eastlondonlines that they have found that “the community is really willing to engage”, especially through community-based events where locals can just drop by and participate in conversations about what a future town centre should look like.”
Honey also said: “We want as many people as possible to come along and get involved.”
Built in 1977, the Lewisham Shopping Centre has been the hub and heart of the borough over the decades and residents take great pride in the place they call home.
Councillor Aliyah Sheikh spoke about her fond memories of the town centre. She said: “The mall has always been the heart of the borough…it has brought lots of families and communities together. I remember I used to bring my children to the play area and have the jacket potatoes from a small stall when my parents visited, it was a whole day thing.”
Some have shared their personal memories of being in the retail area with their family on the weekends and some expressed concerns about the safety level of the area now.
58-year-old Sean Ryan, long-term Lewisham resident, told ELL: “Lewisham town centre is full of amazing businesses, and it’s been great getting to know so many since I’ve been here for 16 years. The shopping centre has seen so many changes over the years. The whole town is about to change forever when it’s gone.” Ryan also runs a digital photo archive of the borough at @Love_SE4.
Another resident of Lewisham, Rae Radford posted on Twitter: “I used to love C&A (the clothing store that’s now closed down) and the market in the 80s, wouldn’t venture there now without a stab vest!”
If you would like to participate in the next Living Room sessions, visit the project website to keep updated.
