A new open-air market could be coming to replace Lewisham Shopping Centre

On Monday (September 30), LandsecU+I applied to Lewisham Council to demolish the old Argos building at the southern end of Lewisham Shopping Centre.

If the Council approves the application, work will be carried out to transform the shopping centre into an open-air market.

In recent weeks the company announced a proposal for live music and food at the site in advance of a comprehensive redevelopment which could see more than 2,000 homes and a new centre.

In 2023, Alford House Youth Club pledged to redevelop the shopping centre, and on September 23, the youth club completed phase one of the major redevelopment.

The application states that the plan will bring a garden “bigger than a football pitch” on the roof of the shopping centre.

A new pedestrian high street would be coming, focusing on food and drink units.

A new centre will be located in the middle of the site with green spaces around.

Several High Street shops will be retained though a few will be demolished.

If the Council approves the plans, work is expected to last six months.

Jon Watson, the development director leading the Lewisham Shopping Centre transformation for LandsecU+I, stated in the plan: “We know from our engagement with the community that there is widespread excitement about what our plans for Lewisham Shopping Centre could mean for the borough. 

“So, we’re bringing forward a smaller planning application to speed up the delivery of the southern square – a dynamic new public space dedicated to food and music.

“We’re now busy working on our next submission for the wider masterplan and the first two Buildings.”

If the smaller application for demolition is approved by Lewisham council, LandsecU+I said it will work with existing businesses in the shopping centre to “limit disruption” and ensure business operations are not affected.

More detailed plans should be available on the Lewisham Council soon.

Lewisham Council is expected to review the applications and make a decision by the end of the year.