Huge UK shopping centre set to be demolished for 1,700 homes

Plans to demolish a large shopping centre to build over 1,700 homes are expected to be approved in the coming days. A full planning application has been submitted which outlines the six phases of the project that could take 10 years to complete.

The plans would see Lewisham Shopping Centre, in London, replaced with tower blocks standing at up to 35 storeys high. The mall and the multi-storey car park would be demolished and replaced with 1,744 new homes, including 329 affordable homes. These would be split into 98 social rent homes and 231 homes rented out at discounted rates. Developer Landsec also plans to build accomodation for 661 students and a 23-storey co-living block.

As well as the demolition of the 340,000 sq ft shopping centre, other buildings will make way for the development, including Riverdale Hall Leisure Box and 72-82 Lewisham High Street. The plans also include building a new shopping centre entrance, a new music venue and workspaces for creative industries.

As reported by The Standard, Lewisham Council's Strategic Development Committee is expected to approve the plans on Thursday (October 16). However, a petition has been launched by the Lewisham People's Assembly which urges the councilt reject the proposals.

The petition has around 1,000 signatures in support and describes the plans as a "blueprint for gentrification". It adds that the new homes will "displace" the community and "destroy a vital hub".

The petition says: "The proposed demolition of Lewisham Shopping Centre for luxury flats is a blueprint for gentrification. It will displace our community, destroy a vital hub, and serve only the interests of corporate profit."

The proposals have also received 784 responses from the general public, including 105 objections, 637 in support and 42 neutral comments. Calls have been made to make sure at least 50% of the homes are genuinely affordable housing, including social rent to meet local needs.

Meanwhile, both Sainsbury's and Primark have objected the plans. The former has requested for "robust conditions" to secure its future with plans for a replacement store while the latter is concerned over a lack of delivery access and emergency escape routes.

The plans have also been rejected by Greenwich Council who are concerned about the impact the tall buildings could have on local views from the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site and Eltham Park.

The council said: "While the scheme would appear as part of a tall building cluster, it risks harming the open character of Blackheath and the setting of heritage assets.

"The report requests additional winter views to fully assess visibility and potential harm. Greenwich concludes that some harm would occur and asks Lewisham to weigh this against public benefits before making a decision."

The NHS is also worried the new homes will increase demand for services in the area. They stated that health services in Lewisham are already under pressure.