We recently sent out the following News Release to a number of South London publications:
Local cycling group challenges Landsec claims Lewisham Shopping Centre redevelopment will provide ‘accessible green space and public realm.’
Lewisham Cyclists have called for Lewisham Council and Transport for London (TfL) to work with Landsec, the owners of Lewisham Shopping Centre, to dramatically improve space for active travel in and around the site when they redevelop it. Landsec have submitted a planning application which will see a number of individual tower blocks for housing as well as retail and leisure spaces replacing the current shopping centre. However, despite improved active travel space being a Lewisham Planning policy, cycling will not be permitted or enhanced on the routes in and around the proposed centre.
Coordinator of Lewisham Cyclists, Alex Raha said, “The proposed new layout offers the potential for new cycling routes east-west across the town centre, and this is a great opportunity to improve active travel in line with City Hall, Council and Government policy. That’s why we are very concerned that such shared use routes haven’t been included. Space for cycling also needs to be improved along Molesworth Street as this is a key north-south route. Making the development cycle-friendly will reduce congestion and pollution, and is essential for new residents moving in, as there’s no space for car parking. We’re urging the Council to work with Landsec and TfL to ensure these improvements are made before consent can be granted.”
Lewisham Cyclists believe that some of Landsec’s communication has been quite misleading regarding cycling facilities across the area. For more details see our comprehensive response to the application here. Interestingly this Landsec image, with a relaxed looking cyclist, is viewed from St Stephens Grove which isn’t within the footprint of the development and is not even a dedicated cycle route.
The planning application is expected to come to the Planning Committee in due course.
ENDS