A MUCH-loved 1960s shopping centre is set to be torn down to make way for hundreds of new homes.
The have been branded as “grim” with a huge 17-storey tower block set to dominate the skyline.
Stores such as Iceland and Boots had branches in Leegate Shopping CentreCredit: Lewisham Council
Iconic stores such as Iceland, Boots, Wetherspoons and have all been on site at Leegate Shopping Centre at some point since it first opened more than 50 years ago.
The centre has finally been earmarked for demolition to make way for a huge new mixed-use development featuring , workspaces and a pub.
But while heritage enthusiasts have described the current site as an “eyesore”, they have also condemned the new plans as “grim”.
A revamp of Leegate has been on the cards for more than 10 years, with supermarket mooted to be moving into the site several years ago.
On November 18, Lewisham Council’s Strategic Planning Committee approved developer London Square’s proposal to completely overhaul the ageing complex.
The mixed-use development features a 17-storey tower blockCredit: Lewisham Council
Under the new plans, the total number of homes proposed has now increased from 561 to 620 and several other buildings will also be taller – with the highest hitting a massive 17 storeys.
A medical centre, supermarket and community centre will also be built on site.
Councillors from Lewisham Council originally granted planning permission to Galliard Homes last year but the revised application was submitted after London Square purchased the site.
As far back as 2016 there were plans to redevelop the site, which initially included plans for an Asda supermarket.
Simon Bucks of Lee Manor Society said while the group welcomed the development of the “Leegate eyesore” and more housing, it had concerns over the size of the buildings and the impact they could have on the local area.
“If a 17-storey building is allowed it would surely be a precedent for more, so we are now calling on to do the right thing and amend this grim proposal for a 17-storey block which would overwhelm a historic part of the borough,” he told MyLondon .
Several councillors objected to the new proposals.
Councillor James Rathbone highlighted London Square’s poor record of communication and consultation with Lee residents, including the firm’s sudden announcement that the development would be named Blackheath Gate, even though it is in Lee Green.
“Blackheath Gate was absolutely typical of this. It was a sudden announcement with no notification, no consultation, no input, which was subject to widespread mockery locally,” he said
News of the redevelopment has been discussed on social media, with residents posting comments on .
One said: “The Leegate became an ‘eyesore’ because of managed decline.”
Another said: “Forty years ago it was the most brilliant local mini shopping centre which had everything you needed – Woolworths, Boots, supermarket, newsagents etc.
“Even in recent times, the brilliant Yoga House moved in and could have led the way to regenerate the centre, but as others have said, the Council managed its slow decline.”
Another wrote: “I’ve lived here long enough to have witnessed how it declined. If it was maintained it could have great outdoor seating areas and community space. It was left to rot to have exactly what they will build now.
“It seems a common theme to let places go without looking after them.
“Setting the scene for a ‘big rescue’ that earns the council a fortune.”
The Sun has approached Lewisham Council for comment.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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