The controversial redevelopment of Lewisham Shopping Centre has been put on hold, with campaigners claiming their protests helped kill off the £500 million scheme.
Landsec, the property giant behind the plan to demolish the shopping centre and build more than 1,700 homes on the site, has “deprioritised” the project — a decision it insists was driven by economic conditions.
But activists at Lewisham People’s Assembly, who opposed the scheme over “gentrification” fears, believe their campaign delivered the decisive blow.
“Landsec claims that it was solely due to economic conditions, but do not be mistaken,” the group wrote on Instagram. “The strength of our campaign in removing their labour lackeys, the huge turnout we had at our rallies showing community discontent and pushing our mayor to commendably block the CPO of Lewisham House were nails in the coffin for this £500 million gamble.”
The news comes after Lewisham Mayor Liam Shrivastava blocked the compulsory purchase order of Lewisham House — the old Citibank tower — which would have been converted into flats as part of the development.
Announcing the suspension of the project earlier today, Mr Shrivastava said: “The owners of Lewisham Shopping Centre have taken the decision to deprioritise the redevelopment of the centre, placing its current proposals on hold.”
“The conditions for such developments are simply not favourable right now.”
A Lewisham Council spokesman added: “The company has said the decision reflects current market and economic conditions.”
“Having owned the shopping centre for more than 20 years, Landsec has reaffirmed its commitment to operating and improving the centre, as well as continuing to invest in the community partnerships based there.”
The campaigners say the pause opens the door to a different future for the town centre.
“With the Landsec redevelopment plans halted this now gives room for alternative proposals that actually focus on upgrading our town centre without causing mass displacement,” the People’s Assembly wrote. “Focusing on refurbishment and working with the existing architecture. This is the strength of community organising!”
The episode marks a rare victory for grassroots campaigners over a major developer, and will be closely watched by community groups fighting similar schemes across the capital.
London councils are under financial pressure across the board, while housing decisions elsewhere in the capital have also been contentious — making today’s pause in Lewisham all the more significant.
