JTP’s residential-led masterplan focuses on turning the inward-looking island brownfield site into a lively, car-free neighbourhood defined by innovative living typologies, active ground floor uses and generous public realm. The masterplan blends a balanced mix of 385 build-to-rent homes, 682 purpose-built student bedspaces and 383 co-living homes across five buildings, with each building benefitting from its own amenity spaces of gyms, gardens, lounges, co-working areas and outdoor terraces.

Shaped by the findings of community engagement, the ground-floor strategy prioritises social vibrancy and local enterprise. Developed with place specialists Beispiel, following extensive behavioural research and site analysis, the proposals include a mix of shops, cafés and flexible units anchored by a proposed food hall. Together, these uses will animate the public realm throughout the day and evening, strengthening Lewisham’s town centre economy.

The layout has been coordinated closely with TfL to safeguard the delivery of a potential future Bakerloo Line Extension station entrance, reinforcing Lewisham’s role as a key transport interchange.

The landscape strategy introduces a network of open spaces that bring greenery into the heart of the neighbourhood. Along Loampit Vale, a linear rain garden creates a planted buffer between pedestrians and traffic, improving air quality and townscape character. Across the site, 94 new trees and 24 retained trees contribute to a target of 10% biodiversity net gain and an urban greening factor of 0.4, creating resilient, nature-rich streets and spaces for everyday use.

Architecturally, the buildings form a coherent family while responding sensitively to their context. Two complementary typologies – Feature Buildings and Street Buildings – use variations in material, colour and detailing to break down scale and enrich the townscape. The façade draws on a local historical inspiration: a former Coca-Cola bottling plant that once operated on the site. Its distinctive bottle-cap ridges and glass-bottle fluting have been abstracted into a repeating scallop motif, used at different scales to create rhythm, texture and distinctive identity.

To find out more, visit the project website here lewishamretailpark.commonplace.is

“We have worked closely with the local authority and the people of Lewisham to reimagine this exceptionally complex island site as a landmark alternative residential neighbourhood – one that truly reflects the kaleidoscope of people who call the borough home. Transforming Lewisham Retail Park has been a hugely rewarding opportunity to open the site up with a unified and inviting public realm, new and enhanced routes, with ground floor uses that ensure the streets remain welcoming, animated and accessible throughout the day. This is a place designed to support local life and enrich the heart of Lewisham Town Centre.”

– Emma Armstrong, Partner at JTP