Work on Lewisham’s new library, part of a plan to revitalise the town centre, is expected to take a year longer to complete.
The council says additional work is needed to the secondary structure of the building to ensure it is safe and sustainable.
Mayor Liam Shrivastava said the structural problems were not identified in the initial surveys but only when the main building works had started.
The library is now expected to open in autumn 2027.
The work is being carried out by Rooff Construction, which also refurbished the Broadway Theatre in Catford.
The refurbished library is part of a package of improvements to the town centre, including new high-street paving, planting, and a new-look street market covered by a canopy.
A Levelling Up grant of £19 million was awarded for the work under the Conservative government. An additional £5m is being provided in match funding from the council.
Work on the new market canopy will start soon and is expected to be completed by spring 2027.
It is hoped the canopy will help create more vibrant, greener and more sustainable space in the high street.
The work will leave an open-air market at the south end of the high street with a covered “market plaza” at the main entrance to the shopping centre.
“It will create fantastic new opportunities for residents, traders and visitors, with space for pop-ups, performances and community events,” the council said.
“Restoration of our iconic clock tower is also about to begin, with both projects expected to be finished by next spring.”
Lewisham seeks more feedback from local people on £24m plan to create market canopy and refurbish libary
Lewisham is now seeking more feedback from residents on its £24m plan for revitalising the town centre.
With £19m from the government’s Levelling Up Fund and a further £5m of its own funds, the council is aiming to tranform Lewisham library, market and high street.
It hopes the plans will boost the local economy and create more opportunities for residents, business owners and traders.
Lewisham says local people have already helped influence initial plans but it is now keen on gathering further feedback on the initial proposal befofre moving any further forward.
The market improvements will include a canopy for market stalls and events; upgraded stalls and facilities for traders; improved pavements and seating; and new trees and plants.
On the high street there will be two new pocket parks – green spaces for the community; improved pedestrian crossings, cycle lanes and signs; more trees; and two mobility hubs which could include bike storage facilities, bike sharing services and parcel lockers.
The refurbishment of the library will improve the space for the library and archive services; community space, office and meeting rooms; a cafe and possibly a rooftop bar.
To have a say on the future of the town centre residents can view the design online; visit one of the many drop-ins (11.00am -4.00pm) at Unit 25 in Lewisham Shopping Centre (opposite TK Maxx) on March 14, 15, 16, 20, 22 and 26. There will also be pop-ups at Glass Mill leisure centre and libraries across the boroough. The survey will close on April 22.
Council to spend £24m on revitalising Lewisham market and library
Lewisham council is to use £19m it won from the government’s lewvelling up fund plus £5m it is providing in matching funding to revitalise the town centre.
The council is planning to refurbish the library, rejuvenate the market and improve the high street.
Lewisham wants to transform the market to encourage more visitors, help local businesses and create a better space for the whole community.
The aim is to improve the market layout, increase the number of pitches for traders by 60 per cent.
By building a permanent market structure and designing modern, environmentally friendly canopies the council hopes to exten the current market trading hour and use the are as an event space.
In addition there will be more green space with trees, more benches, better paving, improved lighting and a refurbishment of the clock tower.
On the library the plan is to renovate the existing building and to create a flexible space for cultural and business activity alongside a high quality library service.
The library was closed on September 15 for the works and will not reopen until 2026.
Until then a click and collect service will operate from the Glass Mill leisure centre alongside the home library service. The archive and local history service has move to Catford library.
On the high street Lewisham is planning to improve infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians. It is aiming to upgrade cycling provision and create three mobility hubs for cycling and electric vehicle use. More trees and pocket green spaces are planned.
Construction work should begin in the high street in January 2024. Lewisham will be consulting on the changes and seeking views in face to face sessions and online. FAQs are available on the council’s website and there will be a an emailed newsletter lewisham.gov.uk/signupMore details on lewisham.gov.uk/LewishamTC
