Property giant Landsec scraps £1.5bn Lewisham shopping centre rebuild after Green-run council demands more social homes
The Lewisham Green Party, whose council refused to approve compulsory purchase powers unless Landsec offered far more than the 98 social-rent homes included in the scheme.The proposed Landsec development site in Lewisham, where 1,744 flats and towers up to 35 storeys won planning approval under the previous Labour council in October 2025.
Lewisham's Green-run council refused to use compulsory purchase powers to assemble the site unless Landsec offered far more affordable housing. Mayor Liam Shrivastava had objected that the scheme carried just 98 homes for social rent. The plan for 1,744 flats and towers up to 35 storeys won approval under the previous Labour council in October 2025. Work was due to begin next year.
Landsec also blamed interest rates, build costs and red tape for 'increasingly challenging' conditions.
Across the 17-acre site, the proposals encompassed a 23-storey co-living block alongside 661 student rooms.
Landsec insists it is not 'leaving Lewisham' and will reinvest in the existing mall.
