Lewisham's refurbished library reopening date delayed

Damien Egan, ex-mayor of Lewisham, said there would be a terrace drinking venue in the revamped library when proposals for the multimillion pound facelift were announced in January 2023.

But the rooftop bar idea has now been scrapped due to a lack of money and problems with the building’s structure, planning documents submitted to Lewisham Council show.

CGI of refurbished Lewisham Library

A new business hub planned for the second floor of the library on Lewisham High Street will instead ‘benefit from the level 2 terrace area’, according to the same documents. 

The library refurbishment is now not expected to finish until May 2026, a separate application form submitted as part of the planning application shows. The council previously set a date of early 2026 for the reopening of the library. 

Under the proposed scheme, the second floor of the library will be converted into a business advice hub, while the building will be re-clad and fitted with new entrances, windows, doors and signs. 

Lewisham Library is now shut

The facelift is part of £24 million improvements to Lewisham town centre being funded by £19 million of cash the council successfully bid for from the previous Conservative government’s Levelling Up fund and £5 million of the Labour council’s own money. 

The plans will also see Lewisham market get a permanent cover and be fitted with improved pitches and infrastructure for traders. Officials hope the market will in the future open later on occasions for night-time events.

Other proposed improvements include the creation of two new parks, one next to the library and the other near Premier Inn at Plough Bridge. Better lighting, CCTV, pedestrian crossings and cycle lanes are also planned. 

Lewisham Library has been closed since September 2023 in preparation for the refurbishment. The building is currently being secured by a guardianship company as a temporary security measure.