The owner of Lewisham Shopping Centre has revealed its plans to redevelop the 1970s building into a “new green, cultural centre for Lewisham".

Property developer Landsec unveiled plans for up to 1,700 homes, a new park the size of a football pitch, and a fully-pedestrianised high street at an exhibition in Lewisham Shopping Centre last weekend. 

The owner’s regeneration arm LandsecU+I proposes to build a “green meadow” the size of a football pitch on top of the new shopping centre, with “play and rest and relaxation opportunities for visitors.”

Up to 1,700 new homes could be built on the site, with 15-20% affordable housing and accommodation provided for frontline service workers, shared living and students.

The redevelopment plan also promises a cultural hub for community groups to hire, new and improved walking routes across the town centre, and a new music venue to highlight the area’s musical history.  

Existing local landmarks such as the market and the Woolworths building will be conserved, alongside a revamped high street.

Jon Watson, development director for LandsecU+I, said: “We understand the responsibility that comes with reshaping a significant part of Lewisham town centre. That’s why we’re working with the community to ensure that everything we do here is well supported, authentic and feels like it belongs in Lewisham.

“The local community made it clear to us that they didn’t want only a shopping centre or only a park, they wanted both. So, we’ve done this in the only way possible – by creating a beautiful park on top of a shopping centre. We can’t wait to see what people think.”

The property developer said it has recruited 16 “design champions” from the local community to help shape the plans for the area.

The launch event on the 11 and 12 of November marks the start of a six-month public consultation period for the project. 

Residents can view the proposal and share their feedback at unit No.25 in Lewisham Shopping Centre from 3-6pm every Wednesday until Christmas.