Those living in Lewisham have been invited to a “very special” series of interactive events – the ‘Lewisham Living Room’ – where they can speak directly with those in charge of plans to redevelop the shopping centre site.

There will be four pop-up ‘Living Room’ events, kicking off with the launch tomorrow (November 19) at 11am in the central square.

The event gives residents the opportunity to chat informally with those in charge of designing the new centre, alongside arts and crafts activities planned for young people, including a chance to design a postcard based on their ideas for the future of the area.

Lewisham neighbourhoods are also encouraged to discuss their personal experiences and memories of the town centre, and their aspirations for its future.

The Living Room events will feature different forms of media, such as digital posters, maps, photos of the town centre, videos, and other memorabilia to help spark conversations.

Landsec, which owns and manages Lewisham Shopping Centre, is urging those to attend and tell their own stories, helping to ensure its plans to shape a new centre for Lewisham are firmly rooted in the borough’s people and culture.

Alongside meeting members of the team, researchers from Goldsmiths, University of London will also be present documenting people’s experiences of Lewisham for a new research project.

A physical and digital trail of prints, photographs and graphics will also be displayed around the shopping centre and outside in the town centre encouraging people to head to the central square and take part.

Jon Watson, Development Director at Landsec, said: “As we progress with our plans to shape a new centre for Lewisham, we’ve always said that engaging with local people is absolutely central to the process.

“The plans for a pop-up living room in the middle of the centre is a fun and exciting way to involve residents.

“We want as many people as possible to come along and tell us their personal stories and reflections on what the town centre has meant to them throughout their lives.

“It’s only through working in partnership with the community that we can shape a new centre which truly reflects local aspirations, and the Lewisham Living Room should really bring that conversation to life.”

More information about the launch event and subsequent sessions can be found here

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