Lewisham Tesco development sees ceiling heights reduced as it become build to rent

Plans have been submitted to alter approved designs for Lewisham’s forthcoming 34-floor tower on the former Tesco car park.

Developer Meyer Homes – who purchased land from Tesco subsidiary Spenhill –  are now seeking to reduce ceiling heights within flats, as future homes switch from predominantly private sale to build to rent tenure.

It states:

“Within the approved scheme floor to floor heights are typically 3.2m. To align with Watkin Jones Build to Rent standards it is proposed that within the proposed scheme, typical floor to floor heights are reduced to 3.0m (applies to Levels 02-14, 16-29 and 31-33). It is also proposed that
Floor to Floor height at Level 34 is reduced.

It is proposed that a floor to ceiling height of 2.5m is maintained within apartments by reducing the total depth of the ‘floor zone’ (depth required for floor finishes, structure, services and ceiling).”

Newly submitted documents also reveal some new renders of the scheme, offering some of the clearest impressions yet.

The site is split into three blocks, with the tower closest to Lewisham station and a mid rise, red brick block further north. Work has now begun on this section with piling rigs on site.

The three buildings range from 8, 14 and 34 storeys in height. In total, 365 flats will be located directly beside Lewisham station.

They join Lewisham Exchange:

And Lewisham Central:

With all tower blocks in tight proximity to Lewisham station, any pandemic related blip in passenger numbers may not last long. Despite this, planned improvements to DLR services may be at risk as central Government have insisted yesterday on very heavy cuts to TfL’s budget. TfL must find £730 million savings by 2023. Services could be cut or higher income achieved including above inflation fare increases. In reality both will happen. With planned DLR service improvements in 2024, there’s the obvious potential of cuts to planned upgrades.

When it comes to rail, few definite improvements are on confirmed. Southeastern will see 30 trains move from South West Railway though it could simply replace 30 existing trains providing no net addition. While new trains are higher capacity with fewer seats, improvements in capacity are ultimately quite small if no net increase in carriages. New trains are also 10 carriages, thus unable to maximise use of 12-car platforms.

Right now much of this doesn’t matter with reduced ridership, but in 2 years? Five years? Housebuilding is not slowing down. Two steps along is Kidbrooke with thousands of new homes rising.

You can view altered plans here.