Hello all,
This is Faris, one of the lead organisers behind the Save Lewisham Shopping Center Campaign. Thank you, everyone, for the support we have received in the past week. Our campaign has appeared in both small and large newspapers over the past week, including The Sun, Timeout, and The London Evening Standard. We have garnered a significant amount of attention on both TikTok and Instagram, and over 40+ people attended our campaign's first public rally on October 16th.
At the council meeting I objected to Landsec's plans to redevelop the shopping centre on the grounds of inadequate affordable housing provision, which violated local, regional and national planning guidelines. I also pointed out that the financial viability (currently projected to make the developer lose half a billion pounds) of the scheme raises serious questions about the future and impact of the development. Here are the two likely scenarios for the redevelopment.
1) The project will make Landsec lose money, leading to a shopping centre redevelopment that does not get fulfilled or is only partially completed - Least likely
2) The project is hoping that property values in the local area consistently increase by a minimum of 8% across the projects, which would let the redevelopment create a profit for Landsec and its shareholders. In real terms, this means rent increases of £100-150 per year for the next 10 years. - Most likely
There is significant speculation about these plans, due to its outlined nature; however, sadly, the council has granted planning permission for the development, which has guaranteed the construction of 117 luxury flats as part of phase 1a and shows the council is willing to gamble with the housing security of the most vulnerable residents in Lewisham. You can watch the meeting here:
https://councilmeetings.lewisham.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx
This is not the end of our campaign, however! We might have lost this battle, but we have NOT lost the war. Come join us on the 11th of November at St Marys Center, SE13 7UW, from 6:30 PM. Here we will be discussing potential future actions and planning our next steps and protest. We will need extra volunteers to get involved with social media, leafletting and research so please join our WhatsApp to stay up to date!
It is upsetting that the council approved the construction of affordable housing; however, we must not lose our focus and determination. The fight for a Lewisham, which can provide affordable and quality housing, is one which will not be easy, but it's achievable if we keep our ground. Together we can make a Lewisham built for its people not profit!
If you want to contact us directly message on whatsapp or email peoplesselondon@gmail.com
Join our whatsapp here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1fZKNKhL5CBAvNOHHyRW1 to stay up to date
Thank you all,
Faris