Starting today, Lewisham town centre will undergo a £24 million revitalization project, which includes refurbishing the library and market and improving the high street.

The investment is made up of £19m in Levelling Up funding from the Government, combined with £5m of additional match funding from the Council.

The investment plans to help boost the local economy, provide new jobs and create a nicer town centre for all to enjoy.

Cllr Louise Krupski, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Climate Action, said: “We are about to start delivering on our ambitious plans to make Lewisham town centre a greener, safer, more attractive place for people to shop and spend their time and money in.

“We’ve listened to residents; market traders and businesses and we share their aspirations for the area so I’m excited to see construction get underway on the high street.”

Disruptions across Lewisham town centre

Starting today (Monday, July 15), new bus stops and lanes will be installed on Molesworth Street, and changes will be made to the Clarendon Rise car park.

This will result in fewer parking spaces in the Clarendon Rise car park and on Albion Way due to a construction site being set up from July 15, 2024, until the project ends in 2026.

The northbound section of Molesworth Street (A21) to Lee High Road (A20) is now closed to all traffic.

Northbound buses are being diverted, with two bus stops moving from Lewisham High Street to Molesworth Street.

The affected bus routes are 21, 54, 75, 108, 122, 129, 136, 181, 185, 199, 208, 225, 284, 436, 484, N136, N199, and P4. 

Construction on the high street is expected to be completed by Monday, March 31, 2025, when the bus diversions will end.

Changes to Lewisham Library

Lewisham Library is being renovated to create a new Library, Culture and Business Hub - safeguarding the future of this service.

As well as books and improved study spaces, the refurbished library will also include new community spaces, meeting rooms and workspaces for local businesses and students.

There will also be a new café and hospitality offer.

The library closed temporarily in September 2023 so works can take place – it is expected to reopen in 2026.

Changes to Lewisham Market

Lewisham’s market will be transformed to support local traders, encourage visitors and create a space for the whole community.

Plans include a new layout with improved stalls and a permanent market house and canopy, meaning more trading capacity and creating opportunities for pop-ups and evening events.

Lewisham Council is working with existing traders to make sure the plans benefit them and shoppers alike.

The council is also refurbishing the iconic Grade II listed Clock Tower and improving the area surrounding the market, so it has better lighting and pavements, plus more trees and planting.

Construction works for the market are due to begin in Spring 2025.

Changes to Lewisham High Street

Lewisham High Street is also being updated, with new paving, trees, street furniture, green pocket spaces and bike stands to be installed to make the town centre a “more enjoyable place to visit or spend time in”.

There will also be improvements to pedestrian crossings, cycling infrastructure and lighting to help make the high street safer for residents.

The council is also refurbishing the Grade II listed Clock Tower and improving the area surrounding the market so it has better lighting and pavements, plus more trees and planting. 

Cllr Louise Krupski added: “Works to improve the high street will mean better pavements, road crossings and cycling infrastructure.

“There’ll be new trees and green pocket spaces, plus bike stands and more seating. That’s on top of the new energy efficient LED streetlights which have already been installed.

“The updates to the high street are part of our £24 million investment in the town centre which will also see Lewisham Library and Market transformed, bringing in more visitors, helping to boost the local economy and creating lots of fantastic opportunities for local people.

“We are excited to provide the high-quality public spaces our residents deserve.”