Boasting world-class academic and cultural institutions, the New Cross and Deptford area is a hub of creativity and has developed a reputation as one of the capital’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. 

• Designated as one of the Mayor of London’s first and recently reaccredited Creative Enterprise Zones, the area is home to a cluster of cultural and creative businesses, as well as anchor institutions such as the Albany Theatre, Trinity Laban and Goldsmiths, University of London, offering opportunities to scale and grow leading research activity in partnership with the university

• The area enjoys excellent transport links, with direct rail connections into Zone 1 in as little as six minutes, as well as access to the London Overground and Docklands Light Railway. New Cross Gate is earmarked for a new London Underground station as part of the planned Bakerloo Line Extension
• Millwall Football Club recently signed a 999-year lease, enabling plans for stadium improvements and wider regeneration including new homes, jobs and community facilities 

• Outline consent has been granted for two major developments in the area: Convoys Wharf, a 20 hectare Thames riverside site has the potential to deliver 3,500 new homes and over 50,000 sqm of leisure, retail, cultural and business space, as well as opening up public access to the river front and providing a new Riverbus pier. And the New Bermondsey development will see 3,500 new homes built, a new theatre and leisure centre, create more than 1,250 jobs and enable the delivery of a new London Overground station

• This is a continuation of significant delivery in this part of the borough which has already seen scheme including – Marine Wharf, Cannon Wharf and Deptford Landings – either constructed or delivered as well as other sites along Deptford Creekside in the pipeline

• A new station building has been built along with a new pool, school and public realm along Deptford High Street

Achilles Street regeneration

Proposals to regenerate Achilles Street received planning approval in December 2025, progressing the delivery of new affordable homes, improved public spaces and fresh opportunities for residents and businesses.

The scheme will provide:

• 278 high-quality homes, with 60% affordable, including 122 for social rent and 44 for shared ownership
• 1,411 sqm of commercial space for maker, retail and flexible work
• 15% more public space, improved play areas, and stronger links to Fordham Park and surrounding neighbourhoods

Shaped by residents since 2016, the project builds on strong local support. It will revitalise the high street with new creative workspaces and is expected to complete by 2033.