Lewisham Gateway developers given until the end of 2013

It's been suspiciously quiet since grassy hummocks were laid on the proposed site of the Lewisham Gateway project - the much-delayed masterplan for the centre of Lewisham. Now, Estates Gazette reports that the developers behind the project will be given more time by Lewisham Council to sort themselves out:

Muse Developments and housebuilder Taylor Wimpey... which were selected to develop the Lewisham Gateway scheme in 2004, now have until the end of 2013 to finalise detailed planning approval for the first phase and to start work on site.

Brockley Central is coming round to the idea that this further delay is welcome. Since we first wrote about Lewisham Gateway, the start of the Loampit Vale redevelopment project has changed the terms of the debate.

By 2013, the first phase of Loampit Vale construction will be complete. We'll be better able to judge what kind of impact it is likely to have on the future of the town centre, both physically and commercially. If the flats sell out and the commercial space secures tenants, then Lewisham will have demonstrated its attractiveness as a location, making it easier for the developers to raise finance and for the Council to secure the right kind of development for the borough.

We've added a poll to the Lewisham forum - will Lewisham Gateway ever happen? Should it? Vote now.

Thanks to Tyrwhitt Michael for the heads up.