Time for another look at new developments around Lewisham

It’s been a while since Lewisham was covered and with so much underway it’s time for another look. Upon leaving the station the first impression of the town could be better.

Something to adorn this blank wall would lift up the area and create a better first impression. Many good murals have begun appearing across Lewisham Borough and this looks a good spot.

To the rear is the former Citibank tower behind which was sold to Joseph Homes a couple of years ago and permission given to convert to residential. They’ve since sold it.

The last of four towers at New Lewisham’s first stage is underway. The final tower here will be around as tall as the current tallest white tower.

I can’t say I’m too keen on the brown brick. The gold panels seem a pretty tokenistic attempt to lift the gloom. Every time I see bricks like this I instantly think of Sainsbury’s in Woolwich and the associated car park. Which isn’t great. Abbey Wood’s Crossrail station looks like it’s being clad in similar dark brown brick.

Still, the balconies at the towers by Lewisham station do not extrude too much and aren’t scattered across the facade in a random pattern as Berkeley seem keen on doing at Woolwich and Kidbrooke.

Here’s the completed tower:

Outline planning for the next stage of New Lewisham was recently blocked by Lewisham Council. A good thing too given no “affordable” housing was being proposed. How long the large expanse remains empty remains to be seen.

The Retail Parks on Loampit Vale linger on. To the right here is Carpetright which has plans for 242 flats as covered here.

The view after development:

And this parade with Sports Direct, Mothercare, and Poundland has plans for 525 homes.

Further along Thurston Road and Ember Point from Family Mosaic has topped out. This one has taken a long time.

The finished article should be a bit like this:

There’s a real canyon effect here. A recently completed block on the left has a pretty poor ground floor frontage though they have managed to fill all commercial space with ASDA, a 24 hour gym and Screwfix. A DIY store in such a mixed use development is welcome. More of that lovely brown brick.

Head under the rail bridge and ASRA’s development of 49 flats, previously covered here, is now rising beside the petrol station.

One more development to note; Meyer Homes plans on the Tesco car park site. No sign of any preliminary work here.