Plans unveiled for £650m transformation of Lewisham Retail Park

• 1,452 new Build to Rent, Co-living and PBSA homes
• Sector-leading sustainability: BREEAM Outstanding, Fitwel 3*, WiredScore Platinum
• Connected neighbourhood with landscaped gardens, cycle paths, new trees and permanent community spaces
• Vibrant mixed-use destination and public square supporting night-time economy
• Lewisham’s last undeveloped town centre site, competing 20-year regeneration puzzle

We have submitted a planning application for our largest and most ambitious project to date, a landmark £650 million redevelopment of Lewisham Retail Park, delivering 1,452 new rental homes in the heart of in Zone 2.

Representing the final major regeneration opportunity in Lewisham town centre, the 2.8-acre island site was secured in 2024 following a complex 18-month land assembly strategy. The proposals include five new buildings in a landscaped new neighbourhood with almost 2,000 sqm of commercial space, extensive landscaping and a variety of housing types.

These include 387 Build to Rent homes ranging from one to three-bedrooms apartments suitable for single residents through to families of six, with resident lounges, co-working areas, gyms and podium gardens; 383 co-living studios with extensive shared amenities; and 682 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) studios and cluster flats with shared kitchen and living spaces.

We have shaped our vision for a vibrant new residential neighbourhood in partnership with local residents, stakeholders, councillors and community groups. The neighbourhood is designed to come alive at street level with plans for a Food Hall, deli, bakery, café, restaurants and bars, prioritising independent businesses over chains. These will be connected to a new public square designed to support outdoor events and strengthen the night-time economy.

We are in advanced discussions with specialist Food Hall operators to take c.1,000 sqm of commercial space, creating a new social hub that will transform the local landscape through the creation of vibrant and active street frontages, firmly anchoring the development within the Lewisham community.

A high-quality public realm is central to the proposals, featuring two residential garden spaces in addition to the central square, providing seating, children’s play areas, open lawns, footpaths and cycleways and almost 100 new trees. The development is targeting significant ecological enhancements across the site, including a net biodiversity gain of 10% and an urban greening factor of 0.4.

Located less than a 3-minute walk from Lewisham National Rail and DLR stations, with a connectivity rating of PTAL 6B, the development will create an enhanced arrival point into Lewisham town centre via train, car, bike and on foot. The proposed Bakerloo Line extension via Old Kent Road and New Cross Gate will further enhance transport links for residents.

Subject to planning, construction could commence in early 2027, with the project scheduled to launch in phased openings during 2029/2030.

Amro Partners Co-founder and CEO Raj Kotecha said, “This project means a great deal to us and to the people of Lewisham. We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to transform this prominent gateway site into a thriving and sustainable new neighbourhood for local people to live, work, visit and socialise. We’ve been privileged to spend many months listening to local people and shaping our vision for a development that sets a new bar for placemaking and sustainability, as well as bringing forward urgently needed new rental housing.”