Lewisham town centre development now very close to completion

A development visible across south east London and it’s fair to say has divided opinion is now almost finally complete.

In recent weeks I’ve stopped by a few times around Lewisham Gateway from Muse (no, not those boys) to take photos yet havn’t actually got around to put up a new post, but here we finally are.

Still, I’m not as lethargic as this site as it’s been many, many years since the old roundabout was removed, a new road layout implemented and then, well, twiddled thumbs.

Even when building work begun it halted as a contractor left resulting in another year’s delay as a new company was sought to attach cladding to much of the site.

But here it is, and they’ve given it the name “Filigree”. No idea.

As ever I took dozens of pics recently which is way too much for one post. I usually umm and ahh about what’s best to include – then regret it as soon as pressing “publish”.

The image above is looking towards Lewisham station with DLR and Southeastern services. The DLR is to gain new trains improving services (though new stock is running late yet frequency improvements are apparently still on track) while Southeastern Metro don’t really seem to know what’s happening.

Much of the cuts implemented on Southeastern Metro in recent years will remain into 2025. Nothing like taking advantage of potential custom.

Town centre link

The above image shows the pedestrian route through the site to a crossing heading towards the town centre.

Work has now begun on major changes to Lewisham High Street as part of a £24 million project while the shopping centre is set to be demolished and redeveloped with thousands of homes.

When that happens, the path above will lead directly through the site.

While the tallest part of this phase appeared complete around the time of contractor issues, the structure facing west has been one of the last to approach completion.

It’s certainly a thing.

A Sainsbury’s is due to open at ground floor level beside the bus stops. Not a particularly big shop. Your usual “Local” as part of a new-build.

Head to the other side of the Lewisham Gateway site and what should have been a cinema – before the chain went under – has planters now outside.

Empire Cinemas were due to move in. Perhaps if it didn’t take so bloody long to build they may have opened and succeeded.

The planter leaves a tiny gap beside the road for no apparent reason.

No, I’m not walking the long way round.

The image below shows phase one to the right and two on the left.

Anyway, that concludes our little look around.

Almost a decade on from when the below image was taken, it’ll finally be ready.

Good Lord we build slowly in this country.

Running a site alone takes time and a fair bit of money. Adverts are far from enough to cover it and my living costs as a private renter.