Hot on the heels of Camden High Street announcing the date on which its trial pedestrianisation will begin; across the river, another hip-and-happening high street seems to be following a very similar car-free path. Lewisham Council have recently revealed their proposed plans to pedestrianise Deptford High Street in a bid to make the area ‘more welcoming, greener, safer and an even better place to trade and do business’.
Isn’t Deptford High Street already pedestrianised, I hear you ask? Well, yes. It’s currently closed to traffic three days a week to allow for markets to take place. But the new plans would see the south east London locale car-free seven days a week.
What are the proposed pedestrianisation plans?
Lewisham Council’s prospective plans would see the section of Deptford High Street that runs between New Cross Road and Hamilton Street become fully pedestrianised for up to eight hours a day, seven days a week. The proposal has been two years in the making, and comes following a whole host of research in the local area. A survey carried out by the council last year revealed that a whopping 93% of visitors had walked, cycled, or used public transport to reach Deptford High Street. Research also found that the majority of the public were in favour of further pedestrianisation of the area.
Lewisham Council has also been in talks with local business and market traders who have raised concerns regarding parking and access. These concerns have been included in the council’s proposal, which is now open for public consultation until May 14.
Amongst the pedestrianisation proposal, there are also plans to give the area a bit of a glow-up. New greenery is set to be added, as well as new seating, better waste management, dedicated busking areas, and upgraded safety features. The revamp is set to attract more shoppers and improve overall safety and cleanliness in the area. If the council’s proposal gets the green light, work could be completed by the end of the year.
Speaking about the proposed plans, Deputy Mayor Louise Krupskisaid: “As we look to the future of town centres, we want to work with the community at every stage to make sure our improvements are designed by and for local people while ensuring no one is left behind.
“With over 60 percent of Lewisham residents using public transport for commuting, and many walking or cycling as part of their daily routines, we’re focusing on making it easier for them to travel actively, safely and sustainably while also creating more space for people to enjoy what the high street has to offer”.
Find out more about the proposed plans to pedestrianise Deptford High Street and have your say about them here.
