Lewisham’s Model Market to reopen by late summer

Lewisham shopping centre owner LandSec have revealed Lewisham Model Market will reopen by late summer having missed its original target date.

Brewery German Kraft will take charge of the operation. The shopping centre state “Model Market is set to become an all-day social hub, complete with a curated line-up of street food traders, live DJ sets, diverse music, pop-ups, events and much, much more.”

In addition to the market news LandSec have commissioned murals to adorn parts of the shopping centre in advance of future demolition.

Phase one

One such site revealed this week is the section closest to Lewisham station and the former Citibank tower. Shops at that end of the site such as Boots have already moved in advance of the first phase.

Approved plans only include detailed proposals for this stage, with outline approval given for the rest of the expansive site.

The below image gives an impression of approved massing.

Approved outline plans would see up to 1,744 new homes, 661 student beds and 445 co-living homes. The level of affordable housing is 16% with a tenure split of 30% Social Rent and 70% intermediate.

In recent months some pretty awful AI videos of the proposed Model Market site were released showing individuals with about seven fingers and the like. Surprisingly unprofessional for a major “place-making” effort from a large developer.

Most buildings along the High Street will remain however Marks & Spencer have already announced their departure as part of a general move from town centres to out-of-town, car-centric retail parks.

A smaller food-only store may open in time.

Meanwhile public realm works continue along the High Street with work which will see a new market pavilion.