Work continues on Lewisham’s tallest tower
Work has continued in recent weeks on building Lewisham’s tallest tower on Loampit Vale.
Work did appear to halt for a period but resumed some weeks ago. This could well be because the development is some way projected timescales.
The aim was to rapidly build the tower using modular construction. By now it should have topped out at 35 floors in height.
Student flats comprise most of the development with flats in a smaller tower. However, UK Universities are currently in deep trouble and overseas student numbers are expected to reduce substantially for some time to come. That was a key market for this tower.
Another aspect of this site that could be impacted is a Bakerloo Line extension to Lewisham. A tube and rail station entrance is in the plan.
While a tube extension was never funded, hopes for a 2030 persisted but in recent days government is believed to be asking for planning on projects such as the Bakerloo Line extension to be halted in order for support as TfL rapidly run out of money as fare income drops by 90 per cent.
It’s likely no extension will be running 100 years after a project to extend the line to Camberwell was approved as part of the “London Electric Metropolitan District and Central London Railway Companies (Works) Act 1931”. That was cancelled.
With so much uncertainty it will be revealing to see if a frame begins to appear at the tower site when groundwork completes – or work halts.
