The new £1.5bn UK town centre with 1744 homes and 35-storey tower blocks

A major shopping centre will soon be redeveloped with plans to build over 1,700 new homes approved by the local council. The Lewisham Shopping Centre in South East London will be refurbished with the authority injecting £1.5 billion to build 35-storey tower blocks.

The 1970s shopping centre and multistorey car park will be demolished, and in their place, 1,744 new homes will be built, along with accommodation for 661 students and a co-living block containing 445 homes. The plans have been approved by Lewisham Council's Strategic Development Committee during a meeting on Thursday evening (October 16).

Out of a total of 1,744 homes planned in the development, only 20%-or 329 units-are designated as 'affordable', falling significantly short of the council's stated goal of 50% affordable housing in new projects.

These 329 homes are divided into 98 social rent units and 231 homes offered at discounted market rates, primarily intended for key workers. The remaining majority of homes will be sold privately. Structured across six phases, the entire project is expected to unfold over a ten-year period, raising concerns about long-term housing equity and accessibility, reports My London.

Jon Watson, Development Director at Landsec, said: "We're committed to ensuring the existing centre continues to thrive and these plans ensure it can stay open throughout the future transformation.

"Our new investment will adapt it for the future, delivering much-needed homes, supporting local businesses, attracting new brands and creating greener, more welcoming spaces for everyone to enjoy."

The redevelopment plan will significantly reduce the number of car parking spaces from 880 to just 60, focusing instead on improving walking and cycling routes and offering car club memberships to residents.

Several buildings, including Riverdale Hall Leisure Box, parts of Lewisham High Street, and the Boots site, will be demolished to make way for the project.

The area will feature a new permanent home for the Model Market food court, which closed in 2019, and a 500-seat venue for culture, music, and arts.

While some buildings on Lewisham High Street will remain, Lewisham House-formerly Citibank offices-will be converted into housing.

Lewisham Council will receive £5 million for town centre upgrades, £500,000 for improvements at Lewisham Station, and £16.9 million in Community Infrastructure Levy funds to support new infrastructure across the borough.