The Lewisham community is invited to have its say on how £24million of funding being injected into the town centre should be spent.

This funding was given to Lewisham Council after a successful bid to the government for £19million of Levelling Up funding, as well as £5million being put in by the council.

So far, the council plans to put the money towards Lewisham market, Lewisham library and the high street.

An online survey has now launched encouraging local people, businesses and market traders to give their feedback.

This feedback will then be used to create detailed design proposals which will be submitted for the formal planning process.

The programme of improvements is intended to better meet local needs and help to drive economic growth in the borough.

The council has consulted with local groups on its initial plans for the town centre.

These have then been fed into current designs and the council is now moving forward with its proposals and is going out to the wider community now to hear what people think.

As well as the online survey, drop-in sessions are being held in Unit 25 of Lewisham Shopping Centre.

Community groups are also being invited to attend workshop sessions.

The design proposals this far include:

  • Transforming Lewisham Library into a library, culture and business hub. As well as existing services, there will be more spaces for the community, cultural events and local entrepreneurs.
  • Lewisham Market is planned to be revamped with an improved layout, permanent market house and canopy, which should offer opportunities for evening and night events, as well as better pitches and infrastructure for market traders.
  • Lewisham’s High Street is set to be upgraded to be cleaner and safer. Cyclists should find it easier to navigate with more opportunities to “rest and reflect”, more plants and greenery.

Improvements are projected to start later this year and be complete in 2026.

The survey closes on Monday, April 22.

Mayor of Lewisham, Brenda Dacres, said: “It’s essential that residents, businesses and community groups in Lewisham can have their say on the future of the town centre.

“We want to build a thriving, inclusive space that we can all be proud of – that creates opportunities for the whole community.

“This investment is to help protect Lewisham’s unique identity, whilst supporting local businesses and traders.

“I hope everyone will get involved and have their say, to make sure the improvements deliver what the local community really wants – a vibrant and attractive place to live, work and shop.”