Anatomy of Lewisham

The Lewisham Core Strategy document contains some interesting facts about the borough:

Size and population

Lewisham is London's third largest borough, by both population and area (13.4 square km).

The population is expected to grow from 260,000 in 2006 to 320,000 in 2031.

Jobs

The number of Lewisham residents in employment grew by 2,700 between 2000 and 2005, but unemployment in 2009 was 7.8%, slightly higher than the London average of 7.4%.

49,091 of Lewisham's commuters travel to London Bridge and the west end, 11,952 head to east to Canary Wharf and almost as many (10,555) head south to destinations like Croydon.

One third of jobs in Lewisham are in the public sector. Lewisham Council describes local jobs as being of relatively low value on average.

Lewisham's industrial base shrank by a third between 2000 and 2004 and the supply of commercial property has fallen since the 1980s.

Open space

One fifth of the borough is parkland or open space, but Telegraph Hill and Brockley wards are both relatively poorly served (Hilly Fields is in Ladywell ward).

Recycling

73% of household waste is incinerated. 22% is recycled or composted.

Transport

There is room for further capacity growth on the DLR service to Lewisham, if demand justifies the remodelling of a section of the line in Canary Wharf.