Lewisham council has now put forward a reduced regeneration plan for Catford town centre after Transport for London failed last year to secure government funding for the realignment of the South Circular.
The Catford Town Centre Business Plan 2026-2030 aims to bring transport improvements, town centre investment, affordable housing and public realm projects into a single, deliverable programme.
Councillor Daniel Dream, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration, Housing Delivery and Planning, said the reality was that the 2021 framework was no longer deliverable because of changes to funding, market conditions and shifting government priorities,
“We’re hitting reset. Instead of making promises we can’t keep, we’re focusing on the improvements we can deliver now: the changes that will make a real difference to local people and businesses.”
Key projects in the new programme will include improved links between Catford and Catford Bridge rail stations; better accessibility and improved safety within the existing South Circular road layout; and plans for 113 affordable homes at Thomas’ Lane Yard.
There will also be some smaller improvements to the town centre including better lighting, public art, planting and greenery, and changes to the market area.
Finally, a new Goldsmith’s university campus is expected to open in Catford in late 2027, bringing around 500 to 600 students and staff into the centre.
The plan is set to be approved by Mayor and Cabinet on September 9 2026.
A refreshed Catford Town Centre Framework will be developed to shape the long-term future of the town centre.
The council said any opportunities to improve and repurpose existing sites such as Laurence House, Canadian Avenue car park, Milford Towers and Holbeach Road car park will be explored. The plan will favour a retrofit-first approach fro existing buildings.
The plan also recognises concerns about anti-social behaviour, crime, fly tipping and the look and feel of the town centre.
The council hopes to combine environmental improvements with efforts to make the area safer.
Councillor Dream said: “We’re determined to get the basics right, improve our high streets, make Catford cleaner, safer and better connected.
“It’s not about ambition, it’s about delivery. It’s the plan that gets things moving.”