South Circular could be re-routed under Catford plans

The South Circular could be re-routed under major plans to transform Catford’s town centre into the greenest in London.

The proposals, which would see the heart of Catford become largely car free, are due to be considered by the mayor and cabinet next month, with the project expected to begin as early as 2022.

The Catford town centre framework, a long-term vision which has been shaped more than 3000 comments during a public consultation, also includes plans to build nearly 1,000 new social homes.

Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham said: “Strengthened by local involvement, the Catford Town Centre Framework is a bold community-led vision that will secure huge benefits for local residents.

“Our plans involve nearly 1,000 new social homes, massively improved walking and cycling and brand new shops and businesses, creating thousands of new, local jobs.

“Time spent talking to local people over the last few years has allowed us to refine a vision that is realistic and deliverable.

“We have uncompromising standards of design and the Council’s Framework Plan sets clear expectations of developers of the quality of architecture that Catford’s community demands.

“Catford residents have told us they are ready for change and we’re pleased to be able to deliver projects that support our vision for Catford to be the greenest town centre in London.

“Rerouting part of the South Circular means Catford will become a largely car-free town centre with a new civic hub bringing hundreds of jobs and championing the sustainable, green principles that are at the heart of our approach.”

Up to 2,700 homes will be built in total over the next couple of decades under the framework plans, half of whichs are set to be affordable, with almost 1,000 new social homes for residents on the council’s housing register.

New, green public spaces would also be created, incorporating access to the River Ravensbourne.

Residents stressed that natural planting and local biodiversity should be respected in the consultation, asking for improvements to the river to enable access to the water’s edge.

The framework includes plans to facilitate walking and cycling, adding cycle lanes, securing routes through to Ravensbourne Quarter and plentiful on-street cycle parking.

New visual renderings show how a fully pedestrianised approach to Catford Bridge station could look.

The framework further mentions investment for the Broadway Theatre and improved space for the market and special events.

A new civic hub would offer a space for employment and health services, creating creative and cultural workspaces, attracting securing more day to evening footfall.

The consultation stressed a desire for buildings which open up views, allow sunlight in and create street-level spaces that will be welcoming.

Indicative building height ranges have been lowered on the corner of Thomas Lane and Holbeach Road and at the Ravensbourne Quarter, alongside Catford Road in response to feedback.