McDonald’s and Lidl in Catford could see 23-storey tower built on top

By Robert Firth, Local Democracy Reporter

Fresh plans to revamp a town centre could see a 23-storey tower block built on a retail park.

About 600 homes may be constructed on the site, home to McDonald’s and Lidl, in Catford.

Previous proposals to redevelop the retail park said the tallest building would be 20-storeys high. The new plans have added three extra floors to the tower to create a slimmer building around a public square.

Developer Barratt has shaved off a total of three storeys from two other blocks planned for the site to improve the look of the skyline.

The buildings will have mainly red brick frontages to reflect the history of Catford town centre.

Original plans for the redevelopment of the Catford Island retail park, also known as Plassy Island, were revealed in October last year.

Locals then had the opportunity to comment on the proposals brought by Barratt in partnership with landowner the Church Commissioners – the Church of England’s property arm.

The regeneration of Catford Island would see eight tower blocks built around a new square. All existing buildings, including a Mecca Bingo, a JD Sports store and Dreams bed shop, would be bulldozed to make way for the new buildings.

The new blocks will range from 10 storeys to 23 storeys in height, with the tallest building containing 162 homes. Shops, offices and community space will also be created on the site.

The development will include 3,350sqm of green roofs – or half a football pitch – as well as widespread solar panels to power the buildings.

No car parking spaces will be provided on the new site, except 18 blue badge spaces for disabled residents and 45 spaces for a supermarket expected to occupy part of the site.

Catford Island is one of six sites in the area earmarked by Lewisham Council for redevelopment as part of £500 million plans to build up to 2,700 homes in Catford over the next 20 years.

Half of the new homes are expected to be affordable – which can be up to 80 per cent of market prices. A total of 1,000 social homes – which are significantly cheaper – are also intended to be built.

Lewisham council hopes to reconnect the island to Catford town centre as part of the redevelopment. The retail park site is currently cut off from the rest of Catford by the South Circular. It is expected the road will be rerouted to achieve this.

Locals will be able to view the updated plans at Corbett Community Library on Torridon Road on September 24 between 10am and 2pm.

A Catford Island project team spokesman said: “The site falls in an emerging tall building suitability zone within the borough’s draft Local Plan and is located within a major town centre and opportunity area. This, combined with the strong public transport links, make this site suitable for the delivery of a comprehensive residential led scheme.

“The scheme will provide much needed high quality, sustainable new homes for Catford and Lewisham, including affordable homes.”

Pictured top: CGI of Catford Island development (Picture: Catford Island proposals newsletter)