Clear vision

Our new draft Local Plan sets out a shared vision for the future of the borough, along with the planning and investment framework to deliver this vision through to 2040. We are working with residents, landowners and key stakeholders to progress the plan and prepare for submission.

Thriving town centres

Planned investment in our town centres, including a £24m rejuvenation of Lewisham High Street using money from the Government’s Levelling Up fund, will help create vibrant and attractive town centres that people want to visit – boosting local spending, strengthening our night-time economy and supporting business growth. 

Excellent transport links

The borough already boasts a range of transport links, including direct rail services into Zone 1 in less than ten minutes, the London Overground and the Docklands Light Railway.

The planned Bakerloo line extension will see the borough connected to the London Underground network, with two new tube stations proposed at New Cross Gate and Lewisham in Phase One. Transport for London has identified a strong business case for a further extension towards Hayes, which would integrate Ladywell, Catford Bridge and Lower Sydenham stations and improve transport connectivity in the south of the borough. 

Diverse cultural hub

Lewisham was London Borough of Culture in 2022 and is home to one of the capital’s first Creative Enterprise Zones in New Cross and Deptford with a significant number of cultural and creative businesses based throughout the borough, as well as cultural institutions such as Trinity Laban, the Albany Theatre, the Horniman Museum and the Broadway Theatre. 

Job creation

Programmes to support the growth of existing businesses, encourage start-ups and entrepreneurship and increase the availability and affordability of commercial workspace will help attract employers to the borough and create new job opportunities, combined with work to support unemployed and underemployed residents to upskill and find employment. 

Strong partnerships

Our Local Strategic Partnership brings together the Council, local anchor institutions, businesses and employers, prioritising the foundations for inclusive growth. 

Green space

Lewisham is home to 47 parks and green spaces with 21 Green Flag awards, including the 96-hectare Beckenham Place Park, ranked by Parks for London as some of the best in London.

Excellent schools

98% of Lewisham primary and secondary schools are rated Good or Outstanding, with more and more parents choosing to send their children to local schools.