Goldsmiths is set to open a new campus in Catford after reaching a partnership agreement with Lewisham Council, which will see students from the university based in the council’s Old Town Hall.
The move represents a major investment in Catford’s future which is facing big changes in coming years. A framework vision for Catford town centre aims to turn the area into a dynamic hub for growth with new homes, shops and better public spaces.
More than 600 students from the university are expected to be based in the town centre, bringing new energy, footfall and a boost for local businesses. .
The new campus builds on a long-standing relationship abetween Goldsmiths and the Lewisham. Goldsmiths has been an anchor institution for the borough since opening its doors to students in New Cross 120 years ago.
Goldsmiths has been working closely with the Council to secure additional space for its students and is expected to sign a 10-year lease for the building.
Work to prepare the Old Town Hall for the university will begin later this year, with services currently based there moving to alternative locations.
Councillor James-J Walsh, Lewisham council’s Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration and Planning, said:
“Having an institution like Goldsmiths choose the Old Town Hall in Catford for its new campus will bring more people into the town centre, boost local businesses and strengthening our high street both economically and socially.”
The agreement is set to be formally approved by the council’s Mayor and Cabinet on January 21.