Pavement space in central Lewisham reduced as major development kicks off
While many projects have been underway to increase pedestrian space to ensure social distancing, areas in central Lewisham have gone the opposite way with pedestrian space heavily reduced.
As the photo shows, this area is beside busy bus stops at the Lewisham Gateway project. The bus stops serve the nearby DLR and Southeastern station.
The work is for a major new development including homes, shops and a cinema.
While the developers have been reclaiming space they’ve also annoyed some local people by not taking up the offer by local artists to paint hoardings free of charge.
I was asking to paint this for weeks before Covid. Not asking for money, just an ‘ok’. Gave up. https://t.co/1q9pNhaVB5
— Lionel Stanhope (@lionel_stanhope) July 24, 2020
Reduced pavement space at an extremely busy area with many bus routes stopping during a time of social distancing appears a bit of a howler. What can be done remains unknown. Removing space for buses is not a great solution. Space for general traffic may well be removed – which is bound to cause controversy.
That bus stop only serves the 180 and 380, but it would be extremely inconvenient for Lewisham station users if it was shut.
It appears Lewisham Council has shamefully turned a blind eye on public safety during a deadly global pandemic by allowing social distancing to be compromised in an area primarily used as a travel hub.
Indeed. There is a cluster of bus stops on the other side of that site and people are practically walking in the road to avoid passing too close to others. Why is it necessary for the hoarding to take up so much of the pavement?