Plans are in place for £24 million to be invested into revitalising Lewisham town centre.

Lewisham Council has said that £19million of this investment comes after successfully bidding money from the government’s Levelling Up Fund.

The other £5 million has been added to the fund by Lewisham Council.

Lewisham’s historic market will be transformed to support local traders and encourage new visitors.  

To improve the market, the layout will be changed to provide more pitch space for traders, and to make it more attractive for customers with better waste facilities.

There are plans for new environmentally friendly canopies to extend the market outside its current trading hours as well as new paving, lighting and benches around the market.

Levelling Up funding will also support the refurbishment of the iconic Grade II listed Clock Tower. 

The funding will contribute to renovating Lewisham Library, including a new culture and business hub.

This hub will include more space for books and other library services, a workspace for local businesses and students, a new rooftop bar and ground floor café and Lewisham lounge – a new community space for exhibitions, attractions and socialising.

Another aim for this funding is to make the high street “better connected”.

The planned changes include:

·       upgrades to current road crossings and the creation of new road crossings improving the area for pedestrians 

·       new trees and green space for people to enjoy 

·       improved entry routes for cyclists  

·       a new mobility hub for cyclists and electric vehicles 

·       better lighting and CCTV 

A spokesperson for Lewisham Council said: “After successfully bidding for money from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, we'll be investing £24m to help revitalise Lewisham Town Centre.

“It's made up of £19m in Levelling Up funding from the Government, combined with £5m of additional match funding from the Council.

“The money will be spent on refurbishing Lewisham Library, rejuvenating Lewisham Market and improving the high street.

“This investment will help to boost the local economy, provide new jobs and create a nicer town centre for all to enjoy.

“We'll be looking for input and ideas from residents and local groups.”