Local residents share their views on future of Lewisham Retail Park

We were delighted to welcome over 130 people to two community events in central Lewisham in February, as part of our ongoing public consultation over the future of Lewisham Retail Park.

Amro Partners acquired this landmark island site in the heart of Lewisham in May last year, and in September we began shaping our vision for a vibrant new residential neighbourhood in partnership with local residents, stakeholders, councillors and community groups.

Building on Phase One of the process, which saw nearly 3,500 leaflets mailed to local residents, collected 626 responses to surveys and welcomed over 1,600 visitors to the virtual consultation website, Phase Two is focused on developing proposals for the ground floor vision. A range of ideas were suggested, including cafes, bars and restaurants, a food hall, music venue, cycle shop, leisure facilities and co-working spaces.

We were delighted to see so many local residents in attendance including ward councillors. Visitors immersed themselves in the plans via VR headsets, artists impressions and giant wall maps prepared by JTP Architects, sharing their insightful feedback on the day and online, as well as enjoying catering by the award-winning local baker Ed the Baker.

Members of the community can continue to register their views via the website until 13th March: https://lewishamretailpark.commonplace.is/

Amro’s UK MD for Investment, Tom Donnachie, said: “We want to hear from as many local residents and stakeholders as possible over the course of this community consultation process, to help us create a new development local people can feel proud of it and invested in. Thank you to everyone who has shared their views so far. We look forward to reviewing that feedback and incorporating it into the next phase of plans.”

Ward Councillor Aliya Sheikh added, “This was a well organised and well attended consultation, offering the community an in-depth look at the plans for this proposed development in the heart of Lewisham. Attendees had the chance to share their views while enjoying delicious treats from Ed the Baker – a perfect blend of vision and flavour.”