Catford Town Centre

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Small Business Saturday: celebrating pop-ups

If you’re not familiar, House of Catford (and its sister store House of Lewisham) sell locally-made products which represent the area and the wider borough, with a percentage of profits going to charities including the Refugee Cafe, the Sickle Cell Society and the Lewisham Foodbank.

Recently HoC and HoL (as they're known by the team) have been lucky enough to receive advice and support from local volunteers - who happen to be retail and fashion experts. One such expert is Natasha Ward who has been putting her business skills to use in the shop this autumn.

Natasha has managed departments inside retail icons Selfridges and Harrods, and most recently managed a Louis Vuitton store in Barbados.

Natasha now lives locally and chose to join the team because she is invested in the area and its success.

She explained: "My whole goal is that everybody should feel like they're getting value at whatever price point it is, and that's what I've come in here to help them achieve. They got it off to a most amazing start, and I just want to be available to help hone that. I love training and development of staff and spaces."

She added: "The fact that the business has a philanthropic goal also appeals to me. It's really refreshing to come into an environment where people are shopping but they are also giving back directly."

Natasha believes that the hybrid working future will see locals spend more time - and m

oney - in Catford, sti

mulating the local economy and helping small, independent businesses.

She said: "We are on the cusp of something really exciting in this area. There's

such a diverse group of people now.

"Most of my income used to be spent in central London, which doesn't really need it. Now all the community spirit comes back - you know the people that you're shopping with."

House of Catford’s tips for retail success

Natasha says there is a science to retail. Her top tips for aspiring shop owners include:

  • Excellent customer service.
  • Be strategic and identify metrics of success.
  • Presentation is key.
  • Focus on customer retention rather than chasing new customers.
  • Be prepared to pivot and change where necessary.
  • Know your industry and keep abreast of trends. You may not implement them but it’s good to know what people want and what the competition is doing.
  • Join forces with similar business or complementary businesses to build critical mass.
  • Use social media. If you don’t like it or can’t do it, find someone who can!
  • Find out more about House of Catford and House of Lewisham by visiting their websites or visiting the pop-up shop which is open every Saturday and Sunday 10am -5pm.

    Posted on 4th December 2021

    by Team Catford

    Christmas comes to Catford

    The Christmas edition of the Catford Food Market is coming to Catford Broadway this Sunday.

    This very special market will feature festive food, gifts and music and marks the true beginning of the Christmas season in Catford. The Christmas tree lights on the broadway will also be switched on!

    As well as all your favourite food traders, including Raastawala, Brett and Bailey, Gaff and Pat & Pinky’s, the market will welcome new Catford vegan bakers Planted Pasty and local illustrator Nancy Ellis who illustrated both the House of Catford and House of Lewisham cookbooks, as well as a range of exclusive food related homeware.

    Nancy will be selling a special festive greeting card which features her iconic Lewisham landmark design lit up for Christmas in the snow.

    The House of Catford pop-up shop, which took over a vacant unit on Catford Broadway in summer, will be launching their festive hampers featuring nine exclusive collaborations with local business. The Refuge Café hamper will also be on sale with delectable goodies that include Syrian biscuits, Yemeni tea, pumpkin jam, chilli paste, chimichurri and pickled lemons. The hamper costs £30 and the proceeds will go to support refugees with the skills, community and encouragement they need to rebuild their lives. The organisation also helps those seeking asylum to overcome barriers by offering work experience, English speaking skills, social networks and a knowledge of the UK job market.

    The market will be extended by an hour to finish at 5pm to accommodate the Christmas lights switch by the Mayoresses of Lewisham at 4:45pm followed by festive tunes by the Cats Chorus.

    Posted on 24th November 2021

    by Team Catford

    The Tail, a new music venue for Catford set to open in 2022

    The Tail, a new live music venue, is set to open in Catford as Lewisham’s independent cinema, Catford Mews expands its existing site in Catford Shopping Centre.

    With capacity for 300 people, the music venue will also be available for private hire for bands to warm up before shows, for comedy nights or as rehearsal space for local artists. The 4,000 sq ft space will be fully soundproofed and air conditioned with a new bar.

    Perfectly timed to coincide with Lewisham’s Borough of Culture 2022, The Tail will open in Spring 2022 and help attract more people to the town centre from daytime through to evening. The new venue will provide a boost to the local economy and create up to 15 new jobs as Catford Mews seeks to double the number of people it employs.

    Preston, the founder of the Really Local Group who brought Catford Mews to the town, says that the 300-capacity venue is ‘what south London is really missing’ and goes on to describe The Tail as ‘an opportunity for younger and amateur musicians of all shapes and sizes to come in and play.’

    The Council is also announcing plans to improve the public space on Holbeach Road with new planting, seating and enabling works to allow pop-up events and street markets. Works to deliver this new public space will be complete next year, allowing music events at The Tail to make use of the outside area with rear doors opening directly onto this fully-pedestrianised stretch of Holbeach Road.

    Another exciting update for creatives, especially those with children is that Mother House Studios will open their first ever studio on the second floor of the Mews this month. The Mother House Studios is the first and only Artist Studio model with integrated childcare, offering a working space, a dedicated and open plan laboratory for artists to work, and an interconnected space, dedicated to children who have the freedom to move between the two rooms. Read more and apply for a space here .

    Posted on 7th October 2021

    by Team Catford

    Council announces plans for Thomas Lane Yard

    Posted on 10th September 2021

    by Team Catford

    Plans for Catford town centre approved by Mayor and Cabinet

    The Framework Plan for Catford town centre has been approved by the Council’s Mayor and Cabinet. Last night, the green light was given to this ambitious vision for Catford to become the greenest town centre in London.

    The Framework Plan has been shaped by over 3,000 comments from local residents, and sets out the Council’s ambition for Catford over the next couple of decades. The plans will secure significant benefits for Catford’s community, including nearly 1,000 new social homes, more opportunities for local shops and businesses, and improvements to enable walking and cycling.

    The South Circular road will be rerouted to create a largely car-free area in the centre of the town centre along with generous public space. The approach to Catford Bridge station will be pedestrianised with significant improvements making it easier for people to walk and cycle.

    Over the next couple of decades, 2,700 new homes will be built including 1,000 new social homes. The vision for Catford to become a vibrant town centre will signal a strong economic outlook, creating new jobs for local people and opportunities for small businesses.

    To kickstart this ambitious vision, six new projects will come forward by the end of 2022.

  • The Old Town Hall will become a public services hub with Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust and SLAM among the first to take up workspace this summer bringing jobs into the town centre.
  • Public space improvements are planned for Holbeach Road, which will deliver the first of several ‘green stepping stones’ through the town centre with new planting and support Catford Mews, the independent cinema, with its plans for a new music venue.
  • A £7m refurbishment of Catford’s Broadway Theatre will be complete next year, helping the Grade II Listed building to play a starring role in the Council’s plans for Borough of Culture 2022.
  • Construction is set to start on the restoration of the former Catford Constitutional Club which will see this much-loved building reopened as a pub, thanks to Good Growth Funding from the Mayor of London.
  • A planning application will be submitted later this summer for improvements to the area around Catford and Catford Bridge stations, which could see works start next year. Safer walking and cycling routes with a double-width pavement along a stretch of Catford Road, a wider underpass under the South Circular Road and two river decks across the River Ravensbourne will create a pleasant riverside space. A new pedestrianised approach to Catford Bridge Station could be in place by December 2022.
  • Thomas Lane Yard is set to be the first project on the Framework Plan’s strategic sites delivering employment space and 100 new affordable homes including 40 social homes for those on the Council’s housing register, helping to address Lewisham’s housing crisis.
  • Find out more about the timeline to deliver the Catford Town Centre framework here.

    Posted on 15th July 2021

    by Team Catford

    Catford aims to be the greenest town centre in London

    This week, Lewisham Council announced the ambition to make Catford the greenest town centre in London . The Framework Plan has been shaped by over 3,000 comments from local residents and we’re grateful to everyone who has taken part over the years. The plans are now due to be considered by Mayor and Cabinet next month.

    Rerouting the South Circular will make it easier for people to walk and cycle as the heart of Catford town centre becomes largely car-free. Generous areas of public space will be created with new trees, planting and access to the River Ravensbourne.

    It signals a positive economic future for Catford with new jobs for local people and opportunities for small businesses. Building new, affordable homes is an important part of the Framework Plan and up to 2,700 homes will be built in total over the next couple of decades. Half of these homes are set to be affordable, with almost 1,000 new social homes for residents on the Council’s housing register.

    New projects will help secure a greener future for Lewisham. A fully pedestrianised approach to Catford Bridge station is planned, in response to local feedback.

    Catford Food Market - stay local, stagger home

    As COVID-19 restrictions ease and a sense of normality starts to return, we thought it was the perfect time to make a comeback. We have really missed chatting with our fellow Catfordians and can’t wait to get back out to see you all again soon.

    Half of the traders at the Catford Food Market live in Catford, meaning every pound you spend helps support the local economy. The market brings people to Catford which helps support local shops, traders and businesses. Why not make a day of it and book tickets to see a film at the Catford Mews?

    Hospitality and retail has struggled enormously over the past twelve months and we want to take any opportunity we can to help our wonderful traders back on their feet. Recent surveys have found that 31% of people plan to shop locally more than they did before the pandemic and with so much on offer at the market who can blame them? Stay local and stagger home (laden with market goodies).

    Street food stalwarts including Raastawala, Zongo Foods and Red Tent Ethiopian Food will be joined by newbies, many of which launched during the pandemic, including the Refugee Cafe who will be selling preserves and baked goods to fund the launch of the cafe to support refugees in the borough.

    Local bakers, Slate & Crumb, will be making their market debut.

    “We’re really excited to be joining that market. What we like most, apart from living just around the corner from it, is its diversity - it represents Catford and that’s important. It's also good that the market equipment is set up for traders so you just turn up and trade which saves a lot of time, hassle and money. It’s also very well promoted and the branding is great.”

    Things may seem a little different to previous markets, increased hygiene measures and social distancing means that service may be a little slower and the market itself may be a little smaller. One thing you can always be sure of though is the highest quality street food Catford has to offer.

    Posted on 25th June 2021

    by Team Catford

    Join the architects to see plans for the station area and the former CCC

    Throughout May, there’s a series of consultation sessions planned with architects leading Lewisham Council’s plans to restore the former Catford Constitutional Club and improve the area around the stations. Here are the dates for your diary and more information on these early projects to improve Catford town centre.

  • TONIGHT! Tuesday 18th May, 6-7pm - take a look at plans for the former CCC
  • Thursday 20th May, 6-7pm - take a look at plans for the former CCC
  • Tuesday 25th May, 6-7pm - learn about plans to improve the station area
  • Wednesday 26th May, 6-7pm - join architects for a walk and talk around the station area
  • Thursday 27th May, 6-7pm - learn about plans to improve the station area
  • Responding to calls to improve the station area

    BDP, appointed by the Council to develop proposals to respond to residents’ feedback on the space surrounding the stations, will be sharing early ideas to improve the area around and between Catford and Catford Bridge Stations.

    Early ideas include a double-width pavement along a stretch of Catford Road, a wider underpass under the South Circular Road and two river decks across the River Ravensbourne which will create a pleasant riverside space to pause and meet people around the stations.

    Join the team in online sessions taking place on Tuesday 25th May, 6-7pm and Thursday 27th May, 6-7pm or register your interest in a socially distanced walk and talk during the afternoon and evening on Wednesday 25th May. Find out more and sign up for events at catfordstationsarea.commonplace.is

    Restoring Catford’s oldest building

    Turner Works together with Hayatsu Architects and Surman Weston, the architect and design team appointed to reimagine the use of Catford’s oldest building, is also ready to reveal exciting new plans to reintroduce a pub at the former Catford Constitutional Club building in online Zoom sessions taking place on Tuesday 18th May, 6-7pm and Thursday 20th May, 6-7pm.

    The locally listed Victorian building was forced to close in August 2019 due to structural and safety issues. The adjoining Georgian house, the oldest building in Catford and the only existing part of the original farm dating from 1736, has been derelict for over 20 years but will soon be refurbished as part of the Thomas’ Lane Yard proposals enabled by the GLA's Good Growth Fund.

    Bringing back a pub to this building will very much be part of the plans and local people will have the chance to share their ideas as part of the community consultation. Find out more and sign up for the consultation sessions at beyondbroadwaycatford.co.uk .

    Tell us about your new way of life

    Coronavirus has impacted everyone in Catford. As we all adjusted to restrictions on our daily lives, how we met with others and found new ways to work; there is much to learn to inform our plans for Catford town centre.

    As the Framework Plan takes shape, there is an opportunity to reconsider how we use the town centre - for leisure, shopping, working, socialising, relaxing or learning.

    Take part in our survey so we can build a picture of how Catford’s habits have changed as a result of the pandemic - what might only be temporary and those changes that we might just hold on to. We’d like to know how your work life has changed, how you feel about the experience of spending more time locally and how your attitudes to Catford may have shifted.

    It takes around 10 minutes to complete in full or you can complete section by section in your own time. In the summer, we’ll share the results of the survey which we hope will help shape how Catford’s community recovers from the impact of the pandemic.

    Catford Food Market returns

    And finally, we’re delighted to announce that the Catford Food Market will return to its former home on the Catford Broadway on Sunday 27th June. Join us to reconnect and enjoy the delicious food and local goodies from local suppliers. Find out more at catfordfoodmarket.com .

    Posted on 18th May 2021

    by Team Catford

    Staying Local as Businesses Reopen

    As we begin the next step in the government’s roadmap out of lockdown today and look forward to visiting our favourite reopened shops, we are all encouraged to ‘Stay Local.’ Many of us may rejoice in this freedom to explore somewhere a little further afield (the excitement at walking around a different public park is almost palpable) but how long will this wanderlust last?

    At Team Catford, encouraging people to stay local has also been what we do but it seems that the trend is set to continue nationwide even after restrictions are lifted. A recent survey conducted by Ipsos MORI found that almost 31% of people in London have said they will travel to work less than they did before the pandemic. Lewisham has one of the highest rates of people travelling into central London to work, with a mass return to the office unlikely, we should expect to see hospitality in central London experience a decline and the economic advantages move to smaller towns and High Streets, such as Catford.

    The same survey from Ipsos MORI also found that 31% of people plan to shop locally more than they did before the pandemic. As people spend more time (and perhaps more importantly) money in their local community, perhaps discovering shops and businesses previously unknown to them, they build new relationships with the business owners on their doorstep. Supporting a local business, such as our very own House of Catford, where you can have a quick chat and see their hard-work first hand will always be more satisfying than giving money to faceless brands. Plus when you have as many high quality independent businesses as we do in Catford it’s a win win.

    This relationship with independent shops is already happening, according to new data British shoppers spent an extra 63% at food and drink specialist stores, such as butchers, bakeries and greengrocers, in February compared to the same month last year. Here in Catford we have definitely seen this support for our local and independent businesses first-hand and we are positive that this is set to continue.

    Whether it's pivoting their business in the face of lockdown restrictions or taking the plunge and starting a new business entirely, business-savvy Catfordians have been catering to this new demographic of home workers. Whilst we are excited for a little more freedom this week, we are more excited about the future of Catford and it’s many wonderful independent businesses.

    Posted on 12th April 2021

    by Team Catford

    A vibrant town centre for the new ‘local living’

    Before 2020, more people left Lewisham to work than came into our town centres and high streets. Now Catford stands to be at the forefront of a radical new way of working as we root ourselves closer to home and explore more flexible ways to work and connect.

    Community feedback gathered over the past four years shows that residents want to see a cultural revival in Catford; creating a town centre where people want to spend time and meet to socialise with friends and family instead of travelling to central London or other areas of the capitals. The vision for a vibrant town centre will retain Catford’s unique character whilst developing new and exciting opportunities for businesses and civic uses.

    Catford Broadway, the historic market street, will be strengthened to support existing businesses and create an accessible shopping area. The area covering the Thomas Lane depot, the Thomas Lane car park and part of the Catford Shopping Centre, stretching all the way east to Rushey Green will be transformed into ‘The Yards’, a series of three flexible spaces with affordable workspace, new homes, small shops and retail kiosks.

    Catford will remain the civic heart of the borough and reorganising council’s offices in the Old Town Hall and Civic Suite will provide an opportunity to create a new civic hub which celebrates the Grade II Listed Broadway Theatre and creates public space around this important heritage building.

    New homes could be delivered along Rushey Green above the existing shops . The Framework Plan also looks at how new spaces for small businesses could be created as a quieter retreat from the high street.

    To view the full Framework Plan and find out more about the vision for a vibrant town centre visit teamcatford.com.

    You can also hear more about the Framework Plan by attending one of our online Zoom sessions. We have availability for the follow sessions;

  • Saturday 30th January 10-11am
  • Thursday 4th February 6:30-7:30pm
  • Sign up to attend an event here .

    Posted on 28th January 2021

    by Team Catford

    Why the Catford Town Centre Framework plan matters

    Lewisham Council is asking for your response to a vision for Catford town centre. In several locations the building heights are envisaged to potentially be 17-20 storeys.

    Many people have reacted strongly to the suggestion of these building heights. Not all of the buildings are this tall and many of the indicative buildings step down to a scale that is sensitive to surrounding properties with townhouses, duplexes in mews-style neighbourhoods.

    Yes, it shows tall buildings, higher than some would like to see today, but what about in the mid 2030s? We need to pause for a moment and consider how the needs of our community might change in 15 years? It is the councils job to think about how the already long waiting list for council homes might grow even further. Today, there are over 9,500 households on the housing register in Lewisham - just imagine how this will grow, we need to think about where these local people have to move to if we can’t build the new, affordable homes they need.

    It is the council’s ambition to create 2,7000 much-needed homes in Catford.

    The stretching housing targets reflect the pressing need for new, affordable homes. These are needed now and the pressure to find homes for the next generation who want to lay down roots in Catford is only going to increase. Some of you might have joined debates on how to accommodate the building heights this volume of homes requires in previous engagement events with Team Catford and the architect team. Delivering these new homes is important when we consider the viability of the whole regeneration scheme, if we don’t provide these new homes we may be unable to deliver other improvements to the town centre.

    This is a bold and ambitious vision that explores how thousands of homes could be built over the coming decades. It’s long term in its outlook and responds to the needs of the next generation.

    What you see isn’t what you’ll get.

    It’s not a planning application. It isn’t prescriptive on the number of new homes or specific on building heights. Importantly it doesn’t signal immediate change, in fact it could be years or even decades before it is built out. The formal planning process commences only once a planning application has been submitted. It is at this point that local residents, businesses and stakeholders will be formally contacted with details of the planning application.

    It is almost definitely in the local community’s interests to see this investment in the town centre to bring the often talked about improvements to the shopping area, to create new public space and job opportunities through flexible work space.

    So if it’s not guaranteed to happen, why does it matter? It’s important because if approved, this will be the guidelines that developers will use to draw up planning applications for individual sites. It’s a plan of plans. A collective vision for how the Catford community wants the area to be transformed. It will be a powerful tool, embedded in policy alongside the Local Plan, to help control and steer future development in a way that reflects the needs of the community, both existing residents and the next generation. Without a Framework Plan, planning applications can still come forward but, without the shared vision that the Framework Plan provides the community will have even less of a say in the future of the town centre.

    It has to be realistic to how Catford has already been earmarked for growth. Identified in the draft London Plan as an opportunity area, our town centre will be desirable for property developers. It’s rare for a town centre regeneration to be largely owned publicly and right now, the council is in a commanding position to shape the town’s future, rather than leaving it to be determined piecemeal through speculative planning applications for individual sites.

    This is Catford’s chance to shape the future for the next generation and for those who might not have such a powerful voice in determining who gets a fair chance at a local home.

    To view the full Framework Plan visit teamcatford.com .

    You can also hear more about the Framework Plan by attending one of our online Zoom sessions;

    Saturday 23rd January 10-11am

    Wednesday 27th January 6:30-7:30pm

    Saturday 30th January 10-11am

    Thursday 4th February 6:30-7:30pm

    Sign up to attend an event here .

    Posted on 18th January 2021

    by Team Catford

    Catford; a greener town centre

    The vision is for Catford to become one of the greenest town centres in London.

    In addition to rerouting the South Circular, removing the gyratory and providing new pedestrian crossings, simplified road junctions and wider pavements will free up land and connect the Laurence House site with the civic hub and the town centre to the north and provide an opportunity to open up generous pedestrianised areas.

    These areas will be framed with planting, trees and new buildings to create spaces that are accessible, allow natural light, offer shelter from the traffic and complement the new cultural and commercial spaces included in the plan. Sustainability is a guiding principle of the Framework Plan and all new homes built will be created with this green vision in mind.

    The ecological corridor will be relinked to the River Pool Linear Park and Ladywell Fields, bringing nature to the heart of the town centre and part of our everyday experience.This will complete the gap in the open space and cycling network and relink the ecosystem through the site creating a quiet and calm residential neighbourhoods which will benefit the health and quality of life of the local community, as well as urban wildlife and ecology.

    To view the full Framework Plan and find out more about the vision for a green town centre visit teamcatford.com .

    You can also hear more about the Framework Plan by attending one of our online Zoom sessions. These sessions will be held on;

  • Thursday 7th January 6:30-7:30pm
  • Saturday 9th January 10-11am
  • Monday 11th January 6:0-7:30pm
  • Saturday 16th January 10-11am
  • Saturday 23rd January, 10-11am
  • Wednesday 27th January, 6.30-7.30pm
  • Saturday 30th January, 10-11am
  • Thursday 4th February, 6.30-7.30pm
  • Sign up to attend an event here .

    Posted on 17th December 2020

    by Team Catford

    Small Business Saturday may be over but you can still support the wealth of local, independent traders in Catford.

    Last weekend marked Small Business Saturday, acting as a counterpart to days such as ‘Black Friday’ and ‘Cyber Monday’ which big brands use to push their goods in the run-up to Christmas, Small Business Saturday encourages shoppers to instead spend in the small, local businesses found on their doorsteps.

    Lockdown and other restrictions put on the retail and hospitality sectors in the UK due to the Covid-19 pandemic have had a huge effect on businesses and high streets up and down the country. Catford is no different.

    We believe that Catford’s small, independent businesses make the town what it is and supporting them 365 days a year is one of our main priorities. Did you know that for every £1 spent with a local, independent business, between 50 and 70p circulates back into the local economy? It’s in all our best interest to shop locally as best we can.

    One way we are currently supporting local businesses is through our latest project; the Catford Cookbook . Written to celebrate Catford’s rich heritage, we purposely made sure that the recipes included in the book can be made from ingredients you can find at independent Catford shops. Fifteen local businesses are given shout outs throughout the book; dishes such as coconut prawns can be made from shellfish bought at H&S Fish Market, Japanese breadcrumbs from FLK Chinese Grocery and then served with a mango sour chutney by local brand, Pat & Pinky’s. Not only can you discover a dish you have never tried before, you might also step into a shop you have never visited before.

    We also support local independent businesses through our shop House of Catford , which acts as a creative outlet for Catfordians such as Big Gay Al, Pat & Pinky, Daun’s Deli and Mont 58 who have worked with us on exclusive collaborations that you won’t find anywhere else. Nurturing the talent of local residents and providing them with a place to sell and develop their wares is something we are very proud of.

    Exciting news...the House of Catford shop will be popping up 10am-4pm on the 12th, 13th, 19th & 20th of December at 23/24 Winslade Way, Catford Shopping Centre SE6 4JU. (Opposite Iceland).

    Small Business Saturday may be over but you can still support the wealth of local, independent traders here in Catford. For most, this has probably been the most difficult year in their businesses history. We understand that money may be slightly tighter than usual this year, but if you are able to, please consider supporting one of the many local businesses in Catford and making a purchase this Christmas.

    We would love to hear if you’re keeping your Catford Christmas shopping local this year! Let us know your favourite independent shops in the town by tagging us on Facebook , Twitter or Instagram and we will repost.

    Posted on 8th December 2020

    by Team Catford

    Finalising the framework plan

    Team Catford started the #CatfordConversation four years ago taking the time for everyone’s voice to be heard, sometimes formally and sometimes casually as we spoke to the residents in our pop-up shop House of Catford, breaking down the barriers that too often prevent people engaging in a regeneration discussion.

    All the feedback gathered during conversations with residents and businesses in Catford has informed the Catford Town Centre Framework and identified the priorities for the Catford of the future. Three clear priorities have emerged and these provide the building blocks of the draft Framework - a green town centre, a vibrant town centre and an accessible town centre .

    Before it is finalised, we’d like to hear what you think about the framework plan.

    Catford Chat - hear more about the ideas in the framework plan

    Coronavirus and the restrictions on getting together is making community engagement difficult, but we have arranged some Zoom sessions where you will be able to hear more about the framework and ask questions of the project team.

    These sessions will be held on:

    Thursday 10th December, 6:30-7:30 pm

    Saturday 12th December, 10-11am

    Thursday 7th January, 6:30-7:30pm

    Saturday 9th January, 10-11am

    Monday 11th January, 6:30- 7:30pm

    Saturday 16th January 10-11am

    Find out more and sign up to attend a session here .

    Through our community engagement, we know there is enthusiasm for these changes. The re-routing of the south circular - a key move that will free up more space to reimagine the town centre and the redevelopment of the Catford Shopping Centre which will provide new retail space and new, affordable homes will be built across the town centre. Pedestrian-friendly areas, open spaces and new community facilities will also be created.

    The ambition is for Catford to be one of the greenest town centres in London. Space will be prioritised to meet others, pause, unwind and play through a variety of quality spaces around the stations, the riverside and a new heart for the town centre.

    The ecological corridor along the River Ravensbourne will be relinked to the River Pool Linear Park and Ladywell Fields, with river access points for the local community.

    The area around the stations should be comfortable and inviting with space to gather and wait for trains with easy and pleasant connections to the town centre. New ideas will see this area improved in the next couple of years as one of the first projects to come forward as part of the town centre regeneration.

    To find out more visit teamcatford.com .

    Posted on 3rd December 2020

    by Team Catford

    Catford conversation to resume with fresh ideas for stations area

    Lewisham Council is ambitious about the future of Catford town centre and hopes to share the 15-year vision - the draft Catford Framework Plan - with the local community in autumn 2020.

    The draft framework plan will seek to transform the town centre by rerouting the south circular road freeing up more space for pedestrians; redeveloping the Catford Shopping Centre for new retail space and providing new homes across the town centre as well as creating pedestrian-friendly areas, open spaces and new community facilities.

    COVID-19 has brought significant changes to day-to-day life for local residents and over the summer the Council has been reviewing the draft framework plan to make sure its ideas reflect emerging ways of life and are resilient for the economic challenges ahead.

    There’s huge potential to deliver new affordable homes and jobs, but it’s clear from feedback gathered by Team Catford that local people also want to see improvements to the public space in the town centre - a ‘greener’ Catford.

    Working with the local community and ward members, the community engagement on the draft Framework Plan - expected to start in autumn 2020 will aim to meet these aspirations.

    Reallocating footbridge funding

    The Council has determined that a previously discussed option of a footbridge over the Hayes railway line between Doggett Road and Catford Green is unfeasible having carefully considered the complexities and costs associated with making such a crossing accessible. It is proposed that funding secured from the redevelopment of the former Catford Greyhound Stadium, which is now known as Catford Green, should be redirected to pedestrian improvements around Catford Bridge Station and Catford Station to create a safe and welcoming space. Lockdown has forced us to rethink how we get around and we have seen a shift towards more sustainable travel across London. Improvements to the station area will support those who choose to walk or cycle.

    Community feedback has informed the proposals for the stations area which will make the area greener, safer and more attractive for everyone. Proposed measures include widening the pavement on Catford Road, a notorious accident hot spot which will improve safety for everyone including cyclists, pedestrians and children and families going to the nearby school.

    The reallocation of funding to station area improvements will be considered by Mayor & Cabinet and, if approved, will be shared with the local community as part of the wider community engagement due to start in autumn.

    To find out more about the next steps for the Catford Framework Plan and these initial projects visit teamcatford.com

    Sign up for updates and to be informed of the dates for public consultation via - https://catfordtowncentre.commonplace.is/news

    Posted on 10th August 2020

    by Team Catford

    A week of change in Catford

    The High Street is back!

    As further measures to ease lockdown came into place at the beginning of this week, it was a week of big change across the country, especially for our high streets. Catford Town Centre was no different and it was fantastic to see some of our beloved small businesses begin to open up again.

    Supporting independent, local shops is now more important than ever before. Independent shops are what make towns and high streets unique and with more and more of us working from home, there is a real opportunity to re-engage with shops and eateries which are close to you. Pick up a coffee from your nearby cafe on your lunch break or treat yourself to a hot take-away meal from your local pub or restaurant.

    Whilst we encourage you to shop local and support your high street, please stick to the government guidelines to keep yourself and fellow Catfordians safe. Keep 2 metres from others, don’t touch goods you don’t intend to buy and use contactless or card payment where you can. Many shops will have a one in one out system in place so please try and be patient. Shopping will be a different experience to what it was before lockdown and may take a little longer than usual. Improving cycling and walking in Catford

    Improving cycling and walking in Catford

    Another change in Catford this week was the installation of temporary barriers and a parking suspension on Sangley Road. These measures are designed to make it safer and easier for pedestrians and cyclists as they travel around Catford. From the 23rd June these measures will also be introduced to George Lane.

    Small Business Support Fund

    On Tuesday, Lewisham Council opened applications for the Small Business Support Fund. The fund is designed to help local charities, social enterprises and small businesses which have experienced a significant decrease in income as a result of the pandemic and have not yet received financial support.

    They have four funding categories;

    1) Charities identified by Revenue Services as in receipt of charitable business rates relief, which would otherwise have been eligible for 100% Small Business Rates Relief. £5,000 per organisation.

    2) Small businesses and social enterprises in shared offices or other flexible workspaces which do not have their own business rates assessment. £5,000 for those employing fewer than ten people, £10,000 for those employing ten or more people.

    3) Small businesses and social enterprises in the Cultural, Creative and Evening and Night Time Economy sectors with a rateable value of less than £51,000. £5,000 for those employing less than ten people, £10,000 for those employing ten or more people.

    4) Independent grassroots, small businesses or social enterprises that make a considerable impact on the local economy and the vibrancy of high streets and town centres. These ‘growth builders’ support a significant number of jobs, encourage footfall and trade in the area and are crucial for our local economy’s growth and strategic regeneration. Grants up to £25,000 per organisation.

    You don’t have long to apply, applications close on Monday 29 June 2020 at 5pm. Apply here https://lewisham.gov.uk/myservices/business/business-support-during-covid-19/small-business-support-fund

    Posted on 19th June 2020

    by Team Catford

    A new home for Lewisham Hospital volunteers

    Last weekend local volunteer network Help Lewisham Hospital moved into a new space in Ladywell. Team Catford heard about their need for a new space in April and quickly identified the ideal space within a vacant Council-owned building. Here they can continue to support NHS staff and vulnerable people across the borough.

    Laurence Smith, who set up the network said ‘‘It's so good having this space. 1,500 meals were received and distributed with ease today. We now have 5,000 apples. 10,000 water bottles, 6,000 bags of crisps, and a few hundred smoothies in storage. Thanks to Team Catford for arranging all this!

    Help Lewisham Hospital was set up at the beginning of lockdown to help source and distribute food and essentials to NHS staff who are working tirelessly at Lewisham Hospital. They have been a lifeline for people across Lewisham during the Covid-19 pandemic and have also been supporting other mutual aid groups in the borough. Usually busy with community engagement, pop-up events, Catford Cornucopia, Catford Food Market and Catford Chronicle, Team Catford has been looking for ways to support local voluntary networks throughout the coronavirus pandemic. We’re hugely grateful to Lewisham Hospital for caring for those among our community in recent times and happy to do our bit to support fantastic initiatives such as Help Lewisham Hospital.

    If you’d like to donate / support - you can donate money here or visit their Facebook or Twitter pages to find out what food and essentials they are in need of.

    Posted on 9th June 2020

    by Team Catford

    We Are Team Catford

    Right now, having a sense of community is more important than ever before. Whether it’s stepping outside to clap with your neighbours on a Thursday evening, delivering groceries to the elderly lady across the road or appreciating a new bit of green space near your street - the place we call home has never felt so significant. .

    For us that home is Catford.

    ,

    Team Catford specialises in engagement, placemaking, economic development and meanwhile use. Over the last couple of years, hundreds of hours have been dedicated to community engagement at local assembly meetings, community groups meetings and local activities gathering feedback and discussing the future of the town centre. We live here and share in the communities passion for positive change. Team Catford run the monthly Catford Food Market , Catford Cornucopia – a pop-up shop stocking Catford merchandise and locally produced crafts and goodies as well as digital home to Catford’s stories Catford Chronicle.

    We also understand the current anxieties and worries about what effects the Covid-19 pandemic will have on lives and businesses in Catford. Team Catford want to offer as much support as possible, by signposting to help available from Lewisham Council and Government schemes as well as supporting those local businesses which are still open.

    Strengthening the community spirit and celebrating everything that is great about Catford has always been our passion.

    For details on business support, ways you can help Catford and a directory of local businesses still open please visit our website- https://www.teamcatford.com/

    Or for any enquiries email us at hello@teamcatford.com or call at contact us on Twitter , Instagram or Facebook or call us on 0808 1961 280

    Posted on 21st May 2020

    by Team Catford

    Six ways to support Catford during the coronavirus pandemic

    Government guidelines now only permit us to leave our homes for essential reasons. This is so we can slow the spread of coronavirus and protect the most vulnerable in our communities. At uncertain times like this, many of us will be wondering how we can help those in Catford’s community who are most in need and what we can do to continue to support local businesses. The sense of community spirit in Catford has always been strong and now is no different.

    Here’s some ways that you can still still support the local community and businesses in Catford whilst maintaining social distancing.

  • Volunteer- Lewisham Local are looking for volunteers to help deliver food, leaflets and to telephone those in need of someone to talk to.
  • Donate to Lewisham Foodbank - food banks need support more now than ever as they struggle to provide for people in need. Donate money to Lewisham Food Bank here https://www.lewishamfoodbankappeal.co.uk/
  • Buy a membership for Catford Mews - whilst you’re unable to attend the cinema, make a promise to the cinema with community at its core that you will return in the future. There are a range of membership options here https://catford-mews.co.uk/membership/
  • Buy local - avoid panic buyers at big supermarkets and look closer to home for your groceries. Good Food on Sandhurst Parade is offering a cashless service for all your fruit, veg and deli needs.
  • Support businesses contactlessly - give your favourite salon or restaurant a boost by buying a voucher to use in the future or consider purchasing products online. Bottle Bar offers an online shop and contactless delivery service if you’re in need of your treasured tipple. Shop at Catford Cornucopia for Catford goodies with the added bonus of knowing that all profits go to Lewisham Foodbank , the 999 Club and the Sickle Cell Society .
  • Rate and review - give local, independent bars and restaurants a five-star rating to ensure people will flock there when they’re able. Every positive review improves their exposure and makes it more likely for others to come across them in the future.
  • Working together we can support and protect those most vulnerable during this coronavirus pandemic and learn to back our local businesses and restaurants in new and innovative ways. What do you think? Tell us about the ways you’re helping out in the community or nominate a person or business who is going above and beyond to help others.

    If you would like any further information or if you would like to speak to a member of Team Catford please do get in touch with us via  hello@teamcatford.com ,  0808 196 1280  or write to us using the Freepost address – FREEPOST TEAM CATFORD. We’re also on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook and check out our website www.teamcatford.com.

    Posted on 27th March 2020

    by Team Catford

    Catford Food Market is cancelled… but we’ll return

    With a heavy heart, we’re cancelling the Catford Food Market for March, April and May. It is the sensible precaution to take for our traders and the Catford community.

    It’s a worrying time for many of us in Catford and keeping everyone safe and well is a priority.

    Work is ongoing on our new town centre home for Catford Cornucopia and we hope that we will open our doors as soon it is safe to do so.

    Catford Cornucopia was created with the community in mind. It is a not-for-profit venture and all funds go towards free events for the community with surplus being donated to the Mayor of Lewisham’s charity - 999 Club, the Sickle Cell Society and the Lewisham Foodbank.

    For now, you can continue to purchase via our online shop catfordcornucopia.com .

    Posted on 18th March 2020

    by Team Catford

    Having the #CatfordConversation across generations

    Since we started the #CatfordConversation in 2017, we have done our best to speak to as many people as possible. We want to speak to absolutely everyone to get a broad range of views to establish what matters most to local people and how Catford town centre should change in the future.

    Over the course of a week in late January, we spent two mornings with Year 5 pupils from a local school discussing how to make multi-use spaces work for the community, and then an afternoon meeting with members of the Lewisham Pensioners’ Forum.

    To have insights from two distinct audiences, whose respective ages span over half a century, was an opportunity to reflect on the hugely diverse range of views that feed into a town centre regeneration project.

    The transformation of Catford town centre will continue over several decades and it’s fascinating to consider how perspectives change over different generations.

    Above: A local school visits Catford Shopping Centre

    Nine and ten-year-olds were generous with their ideas and often their creative propositions for Catford town centre included all members of their family - parents and grandparents. Arguably today’s schoolchildren are a primary audience for our engagement as any significant physical changes to the town centre will take place as they become young adults.

    The views of children and young people are hugely important and we’re exploring ways in which we can capture the attention of this generation and engage them in the future of the town centre. If you think a local school or college would be interested in hearing more, let us know and we can add them to our outreach programme.

    Above: A model of a multi-use space, made by a local school

    For older generations, we often find ourselves hearing wonderfully rich stories of years gone by in Catford. These memories and reminisces not only remind us that the process of regeneration has been ongoing for years, but helps us to truly consider the strengths of our town centre and how the community has evolved - important lessons when considering how Catford should continue to transform.

    Our work is not done until we have heard from everyone who makes up the Catford community! If you are part of or know of a group that we should be talking to, please let us know by emailing hello@teamcatford.com

    You can come along and speak to a member of Team Catford this Sunday (23rd February) at the Catford Food Market and next Tuesday (25th February) at Catford South Assembly.

    Upcoming events:

    Sunday 23 February, 10am-4pm, Catford Food Market, Catford Shopping Centre, Catford SE6 4JU Tuesday 25 February , 7pm-9pm, Catford South Assembly, Corbett Community Library, Torridon Road, Catford, SE6 1RQ

    If you would like any further information or if you would like to speak to a member of Team Catford please do get in touch with us via hello@teamcatford.com , 0808 196 1280 or write to us using the Freepost address – FREEPOST TEAM CATFORD. We’re also on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook and check out our website www.teamcatford.com.

    Posted on 21st February 2020

    by Team Catford

    Team Catford scoops engagement prize

    We’re delighted to announce that we have been named Best Community Engagement in the Planning Process at London First’s Building London Planning Awards 2020.

    Since 2017, we’ve held thousands of conversations with local people, gathering over 2,500 views and ideas which are shaping the emerging framework plan, a blueprint to guide development over the next 10-15 years.

    We were commended for our creative approach to community engagement and the use of the digital platform Commonplace , which is used as a hub for all the feedback we receive.

    Whether you’ve come along to one of our pop-up events, a local assembly, the monthly Catford Food Market, shared or commented on Commonplace, visited Catford Cornucopia or proudly worn a Catford-emblazoned sweater, we want to say a huge thank you!

    But this is just the beginning. We’re going to continue the #CatfordCornversation and you’ll still have lots of opportunities over the coming weeks and months to have your say and shape the future of Catford.

    If you would like any further information or if you would like to speak to a member of Team Catford please do get in touch with us via hello@teamcatford.com , 0808 196 1280 or write to us using the Freepost address – FREEPOST TEAM CATFORD. We’re also on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook and check out our website www.teamcatford.com.

    Posted on 31st January 2020

    by Team Catford

    Your priorities for Catford’s framework plan

    We’ve created a summary of all the feedback that we’ve received since we shared the first draft of the framework plan in May 2019.

    The summary highlights your priorities, based on hundreds of comments left on Commonplace and conversations with members of Team Catford.

    When we asked about public spaces, it was greenery, pedestrianisation and open spaces that were your priorities.

    For civic buildings, the key issues were around sustainability and building designs.

    For new homes, lots of people mentioned the relationship between existing buildings and future ones, whilst the affordability of new homes was also a key priority.

    In the town centre, you wanted to see an improved food and drink offer, with a diverse retail character and a strong emphasis on independence.

    Do you agree with these priorities? You can view the full summary of the feedback so far or you can have your say and learn more about the framework plan by visiting catfordframework.commonplace.is.

    Team Catford will also be present this Sunday (26th), 10 am-4 pm in Catford shopping centre for the first Catford Food Market of the decade, so come and say hello and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

    Finally, thank you to everyone who has been in touch to report the blocked gully that has led to the pavement flooding by Catford Bridge station in heavy rain. We can confirm that this problem has now be rectified.

    If you would like any further information or if you would like to speak to a member of Team Catford please do get in touch with us via hello@teamcatford.com, 0808 196 1280 or write to us using the Freepost address – FREEPOST TEAM CATFORD. We’re also on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook and check out our website www.teamcatford.com.

    Posted on 21st January 2020

    by Team Catford

    Team Catford’s year in review

    This year has been a bumper year for Team Catford, and we want to thank everyone who has contributed their thoughts and ideas to help guide the regeneration of Catford town centre. We’ve spoken to you all at over 25 public events and meetings , whether at our regular stall at Catford Food Market or at one of the local assemblies, which has added up to over 220 hours of face-to-face engagement which has put your views at the heart of Catford’s future.

    You may have seen Catford Conversations – our quarterly newsletter – this year two editions have been sent directly to every household.

    In January , we launched Catford Chronicle, telling the stories that matter most to those who live, work, shop or run a business in Catford.

    February saw the return of Catford Food Market, which sees a selection of local vendors take over Catford Shopping Centre on the last Sunday of every month. The Ninth Life also opened, adding to the local nightlife options.

    Catford Food Market celebrated its first birthday in March. And here’s to many more!

    The transformation of our high street continued in April with the opening of Yoga House.

    May saw the publication of the first draft of the framework plan. The draft was compiled based on thousands of conversations we held with local people about what they want for the future of Catford town centre.

    June brought another edition of Catford Beer Festival .

    July saw Catfordians soak up the sun with the return of Catford Vegan Festival

    In September , our gift shop Catford Cornucopia released a new batch of our Tom Cat Six , an ‘old tom’ style gin and introduced Three Cats Rum, both devised here in SE6.

    October saw the grand opening of Catford Mews , a unique cultural hub and the heart of the shopping centre and the first new multi-screen cinema to open in Lewisham in a generation.

    Ignition Brewery moved into the Broadway Theatre bar in November , popping up with a social enterprise that employs adults with learning disabilities and provides some rather excellent beer.

    And finally, December has seen Catford filled with festive cheers, and Catford Cornucopia has donated all of its profits to two very important charities – the 999 Club and Sickle Cell Society .

    Team Catford has also been shortlisted for the award for Community Engagement in the Planning Process at the London Building Planning Awards!

    Thanks again to everyone who has taken the time to share their views about the future of Catford town centre.

    We’ll see you all next year,

    Team Catford

    Posted on 23rd December 2019

    by Team Catford

    Why Catford should Back the Bakerloo

    If Catford’s population is set to grow and new homes are to be built in the town centre, how will the existing public transport network cope with increased demand?

    Team Catford has held over 1,350 conversations across 12 public events over summer as we presented some of the initial ideas that have gone into the draft framework plan for the town centre.

    Many of those we’ve spoken to have asked whether the Council is considering the capacity of existing trains alongside the regeneration plans.

    The framework plan is a roadmap to guide the development of Catford, but it is also supported by emerging plans for transport infrastructure. Plans are well underway for the Bakerloo Line Extension (BLE) from Elephant and Castle, down the Old Kent Road, through New Cross Gate and to Lewisham.

    Further proposals developed by TfL and being promoted by Lewisham Council would then see the line extended beyond Lewisham along the Hayes line, connecting Catford to the underground network for the first time. Lewisham Council thinks that an extension all the way to Hayes should be done in one go, bringing the transformational impact of improved transport forward, and increasing our capacity to deliver new homes.

    The Bakerloo Line Extension would mean Catfordians would get up to 18 trains per hour during peak times, up from the current six trains. This would mean 43% more seats compared with the National Rail trains and reduced transfer times when moving between lines on the network.

    Whether you’d like to talk BLE, Catford or something else, Team Catford will be at Catford Food Market for the rest of the year on the last Sunday of the month, 10am – 4pm.

    Find out more about the proposals, and join over 18,000 people who have signed our petition to Back the Bakerloo by visiting BackTheBakerloo.org.uk .

    Posted on 20th September 2019

    by Team Catford

    Join us this Sunday at Catford Food Market.

    Posted on 23rd August 2019

    by Team Catford

    Pop-up cinema returns to Catford

    Catford’s annual outdoor pop-up cinema returns on Saturday 3 August in Catford Shopping Centre with a free screening of the 80’s comedy classic Coming to America.

    Previous outdoor screenings include Flash Gordon, pedal-powered La La Land and Black Panther and this year’s event is the pre cursor to Catford Mews - the new permanent cinema opening in the shopping centre at the end of August 2019.

    The night starts at 7pm with street food from Catfordians Jerk Off BBQ serving up full flavoured Caribbean fayre alongside the shopping centre’s newest tenants Benhue, also from Catford, offering American themed cuisine.

    Catford’s favourite pop up shop Catford Cornucopia will also be there selling much coveted Catford t-shirts, hoodies and popcorn and lots more.

    The audience is encouraged to bring their own chairs, blankets or cushions to avoid ‘numb bum’ by sitting on the concrete floor. The guideline being ‘if you can carry it, then you can bring it’.

    The film starts at 8pm sharp.

    The free event has been organised by Team Catford, a team of specialists leading on community engagement and place-making on behalf of Lewisham Council.

    They’re inviting everyone who lives, works, socialises, commutes or runs a business to have their say as Catford goes through its biggest change in decades.

    Date: Saturday 3 August 2019

    Time 7pm food and drink. 8pm film starts

    Venue: Catford Shopping Centre, (outside Tesco) Winslade Way, Catford SE6 4JU

    Admission: FREE

    More information can be found at www.teamcatford.com

    Posted on 26th July 2019

    by Team Catford

    Catford Vegan Festival returns on Sunday 14th July 2019.

    Following the success of the inaugural Catford Vegan Festival last year, Catford Broadway will once again go car-free and meat-free and welcome south-east London’s premier free all-day vegan festival.

    Created by the team behind Catford Food Market and in collaboration with vegan events team Plant Bass LDN the festival builds on the growing love and support of plant-based fayre and local shopping to create a fantastic day out.

    Whether you fancy a vegan doner kebab courtesy of The Hippie Turks , Scandinavian open sandwiches from Daun’s Deli or vegan cake from MissFlits Bakes Vegan endorsed by one of the UK’s best-known vegans Romesh Ranganathan, these traders and many more will show that meat and dairy-free doesn’t mean taste-free!

    Team Catford will also be in attendance discuss the development of the masterplan framework for Catford Town Centre and to provide update on the initial ideas that will shape Catford in the decades to come. For those who live, work, shop or run a business in Catford, this is a great opportunity to have your say.

    Catford’s favourite pop up shop Catford Cornucopia will be selling the much coveted Catford hoodies and T-shirts alongside other traders offering vegan cosmetics, homewares to reduce your single use plastics and fast fashion, handmade crafts and plants.

    Everyone is welcome because ‘you don’t have to be vegan to enjoy vegan’.

    Date: Sunday July 14th, 2019

    Venue: Catford Broadway SE6 4SP

    Admission: Free

    Posted on 5th July 2019

    by Team Catford

    Do you want more trees in the town centre?

    The majority of local people who have helped influence the early design ideas for the town centre framework have called for green space in the town centre with more trees and planting.

    Take a look at the emerging ideas from the architects on the new engagement website – catfordframework.commonplace.is – where you can share your ideas and agree (or disagree) with other people’s thoughts.

    In less than a month, 850 people have viewed the plans online and almost 200 comments have been shared on this new platform with many people showing support for the generous, public open space proposed in the framework plan.

    It seems opinion is split as to whether this public space should be a series of smaller, more sheltered spaces or two larger spaces which may be suitable for open-air festivals and events. What do you think?

    We have heard that local people would like to see more attractive civic buildings in the town centre to give the area a distinctive look and feel. There seems to be a consensus among local people that new civic buildings – including the Council offices, civic meeting space and the library - should be sustainable and environmentally friendly, maybe with features such as living roofs and greenery built in.

    During May, we dedicated 50 hours to talking to members of the local community about specific issues in the new framework plan – public space, Council buildings and public amenities and activities in the town centre – collecting feedback forms, which have all been uploaded to our engagement website.

    Next week, our engagement events will focus on new homes in the town centre. Put these dates in your diary and we’ll see you there.

    Tuesday 25 June , 7pm-9pm, Civic Suite, Catford SE6 4RX

    Saturday 29 June , 10am-2pm, Broadway Theatre Bar, Catford Road, SE6 4RU

    Sunday 30 June , 10am-4pm, Catford Food Market, Catford Broadway, Catford, SE6 4SN

    Sunday 7 July , 12pm - 5pm, Blythe Hill Fields Festival, Blythe Hill Fields, SE23 1SP

    Tuesday 9 July , 7pm-9pm, Catford South Assembly Meeting, St Laurence Church Main Hall, 37 Bromley Rd, Catford, SE6 2TS

    Wednesday 10 July , 7pm-9pm, Rushey Green Assembly Meeting, Civic Suite, Catford SE6 4RX

    Sunday 14 July , 10am-5pm, Catford Vegan Festival, Catford Broadway, Catford SE6 4SN

    Wednesday 24 July , 6pm-9pm, Civic Suite, Catford SE6 4RX

    Saturday 27 July , 1pm-4pm, Broadway Theatre Bar, Catford Road, SE6 4RU

    Sunday 28 July , 10am-4pm, Catford Food Market, Catford Broadway, Catford SE6 4SN

    If you would like any further information or if you would like to speak to a member of Team Catford please do get in touch with us via hello@teamcatford.com , 0800 772 0475 or write to us using the freepost address – FREEPOST TEAM CATFORD. We’re also on Twitter , Instagram or Facebook and check out our website www.teamcatford.com .

    Posted on 20th June 2019

    by Team Catford

    A conversation starter

    Towards the end of May, we held our first engagement events on the framework plan with initial ideas on the future of Catford town centre. Hundreds of people who live, shop, work or run a business in Catford attended. Alongside the architects, Team Catford held dozens of conversations to find out what matters most to local people.

    We understand that people are glad to finally see some tangible plans and ideas for how Catford may change in the coming years and how these changes are being informed by the conversations that have taken place over the last two years of engagement.

    Your insights and feedback are invaluable to building a roadmap for Catford that will serve the needs of the community for decades to come. If you didn’t make it to our events last month, we’ll be holding more events throughout the summer, giving you the chance to have your say.

    In June you will find us here:

    Tuesday 25 June , 7pm-9pm - Civic Suite, Catford SE6 4RX

    Saturday 29 June , 10am-2pm - Broadway Theatre Bar, Catford Road, SE6 4RU

    Sunday 30 June , 10am-4pm - Catford Food Market, Catford Broadway, Catford SE6 4SN

    For a full list of all engagement events please visit https://www.teamcatford.com/engagement

    You can see copies and leave comments on of all the boards presented at these engagement events by visiting https://catfordframework.commonplace.is/overview

    If you would like any further information or if you would like to speak to a member of Team Catford please do get in touch with us via hello@teamcatford.com , 0800 772 0475 or write to us using the freepost address – FREEPOST TEAM CATFORD. We’re also on Twitter , Instagram or Facebook and check out our website www.teamcatford.com .

    Posted on 6th June 2019

    by Team Catford

    Catford Conversations – Spring Edition

    Over the next few days you should be receiving Catford Conversations, the latest newsletter from Team Catford which will provide an update on our engagement so far, share some exciting local news for the months ahead and list our upcoming engagement dates where you can join the #CatfordConversation.

    If you can’t wait until it drops through your letterbox, you can view the newsletter online here .

    Come along to one of our events this weekend:

    Saturday 25 May , 1pm-4pm – Broadway Theatre Bar, Catford Road, SE6 4RU

    Sunday 26 May , 10am-4pm - Catford Food Market, Catford Broadway, Catford SE6 4SN

    A new feedback website has launched - catfordframework.commonplace.is - where you can look at the emerging ideas for the Catford town centre framework plan and share your thoughts.

    Share your thoughts and ideas on the draft framework plan by adding comments at https://catfordframework.commonplace.is/overview

    If you would like any further information or if you would like to speak to a member of Team Catford please do get in touch with us via hello@teamcatford.com , 0800 772 0475 or write to us using the freepost address – FREEPOST TEAM CATFORD. We’re also on Twitter , Instagram or Facebook and check out our website www.teamcatford.com .

    Posted on 24th May 2019

    by Team Catford

    Come along to our forthcoming engagement events

    From Thursday 23 May, Team Catford will be hosting a number of drop-in sessions to share the first draft of the masterplan framework for Catford town centre with the local community.

    This will be an opportunity for those who live, work, shop or run a business in Catford to have their say on the emerging themes and to continue the discussion on the future of Catford town centre.

    You should also look out for our latest newsletter which will be dropping through your letterbox over the next few days. It will provide an update from our engagement so far, share exciting news for the months ahead and list our upcoming engagement dates.

    You can come along to any of the following events where we will continue the #CatfordConversation.

    PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT EVENTS

    Thursday 23 May , 6pm-9pm, 17 Catford Broadway, Catford SE6 4SN

    Saturday 25 May , 1pm-4pm – Broadway Theatre Bar, Catford Road, SE6 4RU

    Sunday 26 May , 10am-4pm - Catford Food Market, Catford Broadway, Catford SE6 4SN

    Tuesday 25 June , 7pm-9pm - Civic Suite, Catford SE6 4RX

    Saturday 29 June , 10am-2pm - Broadway Theatre Bar, Catford Road, SE6 4RU

    Sunday 30 June , 10am-4pm - Catford Food Market, Catford Broadway, Catford SE6 4SN

    Sunday 7 July , 12pm-5pm - Blythe Hill Fields Festival, Blythe Hill Fields, SE23 1SP

    Sunday 14 July , 10am-5pm - Catford Vegan Festival, Catford Broadway, Catford SE6 4SN

    Wednesday 24 July , 6pm-9pm - Civic Suite, Catford SE6 4RX

    Saturday 27th July , 1pm -4pm – Broadway Theatre Bar, Catford Road, SE6 4RU

    Sunday 28 July , 10am-4pm - Catford Food Market, Catford Broadway, Catford SE6 4SN, Catford SE6 4SN

    If you would like any further information or if you would like to speak to a member of Team Catford please do get in touch with us via hello@teamcatford.com , 0800 772 0475 or write to us using the freepost address – FREEPOST TEAM CATFORD. We’re also Twitter , Instagram or Facebook and check out our website www.teamcatford.com .

    Posted on 22nd May 2019

    by Team Catford

    Plans announced to improve accessibility at Catford Station

    It was announced last week that Catford Station will be given a share of a £300m government grant allocated to improve accessibility at railway stations across the UK. The Access for All programme will install a lift at the station which is currently only accessible by stairs.

    Throughout our engagement programme, Team Catford has collected the insights of thousands of local people through a series of events, informal conversations and comments made on the commonplace website .

    We have collected over 1,800 comments on Commonplace, and amongst those comments there has been evidence of a desire to see improved accessibility at Catford Station. These comments highlighted how the station was not suitable for those with disabilities, pushchairs or other access needs.

    Of the comments that specifically mentioned accessibility, 47% referred directly to the need to improve Catford Station.

    Comments from Commonplace

    "Let’s make Catford easy for all. we need a lift for disabled, elderly and people with prams. 2018 and we still have restricted access to public transport."

    "The incorporation of disabled access to Catford Station is long overdue. The empty land surrounding the stairs to platforms is crying out for an elevator. Catford station is a no-go area for those of us with mobility difficulties."

    Add your thoughts

    In total, over half of all comments relating to accessibility called for improvements to be made at either Catford Station or other stations in the area.

    These improvements will provide a welcome boost to our local area and will help to make Catford a better place to live, work and travel through.

    If you have any views you'd like to share about accessibility, transport or anything else you can add you comments to the map .

    Posted on 16th April 2019

    by Team Catford

    Introducing catfordchronicle.com

    We think Catford is deserving of its very own news, so this week we’ve launched catfordchronicle.com a blog site for Catfordians to share memories and perspectives that have shaped their relationship with the local area. Founded by Team Catford’s Charisse Chikwiri, catfordchronicle.com is a hub where you can discover the untold stories of Catford, told by those who know it best.

    From nostalgic musings on Catford’s unique history to photo essays by local creatives, catfordchronicle.com is a platform where people who live, work, shop or run a business in Catford can write about topics that they may feel are overlooked and give a voice to the seldom-heard.

    Charisse Chikwiri, editor, said:

    “Whilst having hundreds of conversations with local people about the future of Catford town centre, it was clear that there are lots of unique perspectives on Catford. These perspectives reflect our diversity and bring together views across ages, experiences and cultures. catfordchronicle.com is an opportunity to have these conversations and learn about some of the undiscovered features of the past and present of our neighbourhood.”

    Must reads from catfordchronicle.com

    - Long-time resident David Dunn remembers Catford in the 1950s and tracks the changes in the decades since.

    - Adam Abdullah, the Young Mayor for Lewisham, speaks to editor Charisse Chikwiri

    - Henry J Kamara’s photo series Humans of Catford .

    We’d love to hear from local people who would like to contribute to this new project. If you would like to contribute get in touch by emailing charisse@teamcatford.com

    Posted on 3rd April 2019

    by Team Catford

    Ditch the department stores, log off and shop local this Christmas

    Catford Christmas Food Market

    On Sunday 25th November (10am – 4pm), Team Catford will be hosting the first Christmas edition of the Catford Food Market. As well as some of our usual traders we’ll be joined by other festive stalls. From Filipino street food to Jamaican rum cake, our local traders will be adding a festive twist to help get you into the Christmas spirit.

    As well as winter warming fare, there will hand-tied wreaths, bouquets, as well as some rather unique canine accessories to make sure your pooch stands out from the crowd.

    Catford Cornucopia , Catford’s very own gift shop, will be open as usual, selling Catford goodies from local artists Hazel Nicolls, The Big Gay Al and Chitter Chatter Arts as well as its own range of Catford merchandise including the coveted Catford hoodie.

    Music will be festive - but also pedal-powered so if you want to hear your favourite tunes, you’ll have to hop on a bike and make it happen.

    The pedalling continues with our free splatter art bike and as well as bauble and mosaic making by local artists, Charlotte Gainey and Tamara Froud.

    Team Catford will be at the market talking to locals about the changes set to happen in the town centre alongside the Really Local Group who’ll be speaking about the new cinema set to open in Catford shopping centre next year.

    The festive finale will take place at 4pm with the characters from this year’s panto Aladdin at the Broadway Theatre turning on the Christmas tree lights.

    Does the Catford feedback reflect your views?

    With almost 1,800 comments and counting, local people have been joining the conversation and having their say about what they like and don’t like about Catford town centre. Top concerns include the variety of retail options in the shopping centre and a desire to see more green spaces in the area. All of these comments are helping to shape a masterplan for the future of Catford.

    Take a look at our snapshot of feedback above and tell us what you think.

    If you have more to add, feel free to pop back onto the map and share your thoughts about your area. There's no limit to how many comments individuals can add so do keep sharing ideas. All of the comments have been shared with the architects appointed to develop the masterplan on behalf of the Council .

    Posted on 20th November 2018

    by Team Catford

    Films, footpaths and free events!

    A masterplan for Catford Town Centre

    Studio Egret West and Carl Turner Architects have been appointed by the Council to develop a masterplan for the town centre. Throughout autumn, their team will work alongside Team Catford sharing their ideas and seeking input from the local community. The Council has tasked the team with developing a creative vision for how strategic sites across the town centre could help deliver new homes, shops, pedestrian-friendly areas, open spaces and community facilities over the next 10 to 15 years. Find out more about the masterplan here and look out for even more dates to be added to our upcoming events .

    A pedestrian lane

    The Thomas Lane car park is often used by pedestrians as a short cut between the Catford Shopping Centre and the Catford Broadway. We have painted butterflies, greyhounds and wildlife in the underpass and along the bridge so isn’t it about time we showed this informal footpath a little bit of love? With permission to allocate a car-free area, the architect team propose to brighten up this route by pruning overgrown shrubs, clearing litter and more than a generous splash of paint. There’s colourful things in store for this part of town. Come and find out more at 17 Catford Broadway this Sunday.

    Catwanda Forever

    Saturday saw the return of open-air cinema to Catford with a free screening of Black Panther. During the day, we hosted a kids craft fair in a vacant unit in the Catford Shopping Centre giving local children an opportunity to get creative. The free event, called Catwanda Forever, took inspiration from the fictional country Wakanda, home of the Black Panther in the Marvel universe.

    Black Panther-themed activities saw local tech guru David Morley, showing budding techies how to code, Ian Wiley helping children create a new currency for Catford and artist, Charlotte Gainey from Catford arts collective, 6arts, helping children design their dream town centre. Local traders, including Eve, showcased original and ethical African fashion, accessories and homeware.

    The Catford Free Film Festival is back for its third year with a bumper line up of films at venues across town. No tickets required, it’s first come first served so get there early!

    Catford Food Market

    Come and join us for a local carnival this weekend. From 10am- 4pm there’ll be live music, food from around the world and free children’s activities. Team Catford will also be there to hear your views on plans for the town centre. More information can be found at www.catfordfoodmarket.com .

    Posted on 24th August 2018

    by Team Catford

    Catford's home team

    You may have noticed some activity in one of the vacant units on Catford Broadway recently and we can now reveal that this is Team Catford’s hew home. Seventeen Catford Broadway will be dedicated space to host engagement events and workshops on the town centre regeneration and shop at Catford Cornucopia – Catford's very own gift shop.

    The unit that has been vacant for some time now and as owners, the Council have decided to put the space to good use whilst a planning application to rennovate the shop units and flats above is being considered.

    This month you’ve been mostly saying

    The number of comments shared on Commonplace is almost at 1,600 and we’d love a final push to reach a round figure before we hand them over to the soon-to-be-appointed architects who will develop the masterplan for the town centre. Tell your friends and neighbours to visit the map and add their thoughts.

    Traffic issues continue to be a dominant theme with pedestrian safety being flagged in comments this month:

    “The traffic speed on the road needs to be controlled, cars race along, jumping over speed bumps as do buses at the end of their route. Dangerous for pedestrians, there is no safe crossing.”

    Rerouting the south circular road will open up opportunities for improving road safety for everyone as we look at dedicated cycle lanes and new pedestrian crossings.

    Comedy, music, drama and beer

    We’re still buzzing after one of Catford’s liveliest weeks. Not since the town’s heyday of dance, music and theatre in the fifties and sixties has there been quite so much culture right on our doorstep.

    The Broadway Theatre’s Catford Fringe Festival pulled in a crowd for its eclectic range of headliners, local theatre companies, stand-up comedians and curiosities. Highlights included Straight Outta Catford (Work in Progress) by local Scarlett Dobson. With some thought provoking views, she tackled some of the most pressing issues of the changing face of Catford.

    The Catford Beer Festival made a welcome return to the Catford Bridge Tavern over a sunny weekend with over a thousand pints pulled on the first evening alone. Don’t worry if you missed out – visit the Catford Food Market this Sunday to get your hands on the limited-edition festival glasses, t-shirts, tote bags and Catford Pride Pale Ale.

    People’s Day

    Save Saturday 7th July in your diaries for Lewisham’s 34th annual People’s Day in Catford’s Mountsfield Park. Team Catford will be there to answer any questions about the regeneration and the masterplan for the town centre and Catford Cornucopia will have a stand selling a variety of treats from the small specialist merchants of Catford. Our very own, Charisse Chikwiri is busy making preparations to launch a new stage for Young & Vocal showcasing the very best up-and coming local young talent. If you missed the Young & Vocal debut earlier in the year, check out this video of the event.

    Dates for the forthcoming engagement events:

    Sunday 24th June , 10am-4pm - Catford Food Market, Catford Broadway, SE6 4SN

    Sunday 1st July , 12 noon – 5pm - Blythe Hill Festival, Blythe Hill Fields, SE23 1SP

    Wednesday 4th July , 7-9pm - Catford South Local Assembly, Sandhurst Junior School (external hall), Minard Road, SE6 1NW

    Saturday 7th July , 12noon-8pm - Lewisham People’s Day, Mountsfield Park, SE6 1AN

    Sunday 15th July , 10am-5pm - Catford Vegan Festival, Catford Broadway, SE6 4SN

    Sunday 29th July , 10am-4pm - Catford Food Market, Catford Broadway, SE6 4SN

    Sunday 26th August (Carnival Special), 10am-4pm - Catford Food Market, Catford Broadway, SE6 4SN

    Make sure you stay up to date with all things Team Catford including our forthcoming events by following us on Twitter , Facebook , Instagram , or visiting www.teamcatford.com.

    Posted on 22nd June 2018

    by Team Catford

    What you've been saying this month

    Strong themes are emerging and all of the 1,550 comments shared on Commonplace will be given to the architects who will draw up a masterplan for Catford Town Centre. Read on for some of your ideas and views from the last few weeks.

    Nearly everyone agrees that the range of shops could be improved, but what do you want to see and where? Here’s some of the comments shared – add your thoughts here .

    "It is important to keep a mix of shops that serves everyone in the community and reaches those of all incomes.""...Catford Broadway could be protected as an area for independent, creative shops and cafes and restaurants, Rushey Green could be developed on as an area for high street convenience."

    Traffic congestion and its impact for pedestrians and cyclists is a recurrent theme and it is hoped this will be improved through the rerouting of the South Circular road, which will bring opportunities for safe crossings and dedicated cycle routes.

    "It would be great to manage the traffic flow here [junction between A21 and A205 and near the stations, which both get tailbacks. Air pollution is bad, cycling is dangerous and crossing the roads is difficult. I worry for elderly and children here."

    Summer is here and Catford is buzzing. With a packed roadshow of dedicated engagement events and Team Catford stalls at local foodie festivals and summer fayres, make sure to stop by for a chat.

    The Catford Food Market this Sunday

    The Catford Food Market is back this Sunday on Catford Broadway showcasing more of South East London’s best food and craft traders. New traders this month include The Hippie Turk, Pattie Man, Chitter Chatter Arts, Into the Wild Florist and ROCosmetiKs. There’ll also be live music, free craft activities for children and Team Catford talking to people about how they would like to improve Catford Town Centre. The market will run from 10am – 4pm and is free to attend. 

    The Catford Beer Festival returns

    Following last year’s knock-out event, the Catford Beer Festival is making a return from Friday 8th to Sunday 10th June at the Catford Bridge Tavern.

    Local brewers will offer over 70 beers and ciders with the brewery line-up including the  Brockley Brewing CompanyBexley BrewerySouthwark BrewingOld Kent RoadHop StuffThree SodsBianca Road and  Ignition Brewery .

    There’ll be local street food and all-day entertainment - White Men Can’t Jerk  will bring their lip-smacking Caribbean food with a twist and local DJs 7 Inch Vince  (dub, ska and reggae) and  DJ Sue  (rhythm n blues, psych, Motown and Northern soul).

    Beer geek Alexandra Sewell  of Black Malt, will offer tastings and musing, extolling the virtues of beers of a darker hue.

    Fans will also be able to get their hands on limited-edition festival glasses, posters and t-shirts as well as Catford Pride, a new pale ale made by the Brockley Brewing Company.

    Catford Vegan Festival

    Introducing: Catford Vegan Festival. Featuring some of London’s premier vegan street food entrepreneurs. Plant-based food is coming your way on 15th July, 10-5pm on Catford Broadway.

    Catford Food Market favourites @MissFlits will bring tasty vegan cakes and the @NoochVegan team will set up a spread of seitan steak sandwiches, pulled jackfruit burgers and tofu scrambles. Trailblazers @blackmylkuk with London’s first fully vegan ice cream stall, will serve up their creations from creamy cashew nuts and rich coconut. Catford’s very own @joyshealthsanct will have their magic mix of smoothies, juices, homemade cakes & savoury delights.

    Make sure you stay up to date with all things Team Catford including our forthcoming events by following us on  TwitterFacebookInstagram , or visiting www.teamcatford.com.

    Posted on 24th May 2018

    by Team Catford

    Have Your Say!

    It’s full steam ahead with our community engagement and we want to add to the 1,500 comments we’ve already received.

    Our next drop in session is this Saturday in Catford Library from 11am-2pm and, as always, we’ll be listening to your opinions and suggestions as Catford Town Centre goes through the biggest change in decades. If you can’t make it then see a list of our upcoming events by clicking here or visit our interactive and leave your comments there.

    Team Catford Roadshow meets The Diamond Club

    The Team Catford Roadshow is in full swing and our latest stop took us to Holy Cross Church where we met members of the Diamond Club, a lively social group for Catford pensioners. Catford’s longest-standing residents reminisced of when Catford was the cultural hub of the borough, boasting two cinemas, the Hippodrome, and three dancehalls.

    There were also fond memories of when the Catford Cat was first placed on its now famous perch in 1974.

    While they were keen to see what they regeneration proposals would bring for the future of Catford they also felt it was important to preserve key elements of the neighbourhood’s past.

    If you’re part of a community group, residents association, place of worship or know of a group that we could meet then get in touch with us by emailing hello@teamcatford.com

    Another step forward for the Catford Town Centre Masterplan

    Last month Lewisham Council launched the tender process to find the architects that will draw up the masterplan for Catford Town Centre.

    The masterplan will guide growth and development over the next 10-15 years and is based on public input, planning initiatives, physical characteristics and social and economic conditions.

    It will be both aspirational and deliverable, commercially based, and informed by a thorough understanding of the retail, residential and leisure market in Catford Town Centre.

    The tender process is now closed and a decision on the successful team will be announced next month.

    We are Catford and Proud!

    There was hardly room to swing a free Catford Food Market tote bag last month as Catfordians came out in force to support the first Catford Food Market.

    The 20 strong line up featured the plant based street food crew The Nooch, cake stall Brett & Bailey, North East Indian street food vendors Raastawala and the purveyors of South London’s best pizzas Van Dough who sold out in record time.

    Catford Cornucopia which sells Catford related goodies also sold out of everything including its bespoke pale ale Catford Pride and exclusive Catford and Proud tea towels produced by local artist Hazel Nichols.

    Many people decamped to local businesses after the market to continue their Catford day out. We spotted plants, paintings and tote bags in Bar & Bottle Shop, Catford Constitutional Club and Little Nan’s Bar as well as at bus stops and the train stations demonstrating that the market achieved its aim of complementing the existing offer and supporting the local economy.

    The Catford Food Market is back this Sunday and on the last Sunday of the month on Catford Broadway from 10am to 4pm. New traders this month include Black Mylk offering vegan ice cream, Route 66 and there take on Californian style burritos and Agua Na Boca, bringing the flavour of Brazil to the broadway.

    If you’re not feeling hungry, there’s plenty to keep you busy, occupied including free children’s activities from 6Arts and live jazz and Team Catford who’ll be listening to your views about the regeneration of Catford Town Centre.

    Posted on 25th April 2018

    by Team Catford

    Catford Food Market pulls a crowd

    Wow, what a turnout! We couldn’t have wished for a better start for the Catford Food Market . The first market took place on Sunday 25th March and attracted hundreds of people from Catford and beyond.

    They feasted on a delicious range of cakes, breads and pastries plus freshly-cooked delicious street food from small independent businesses and food producers including Caribbean fayre from Jerk Off BBQ , north-eastern Indian delights from Raastawala and Japanese delicacies from Fuse Love .

    It wasn’t all about making people’s bellies happy at Catford Food Market. There were all kinds of fabulous products and activities - from kids’ arts and crafts to house and home items including Hazel Nicholls’ wonderful collection of mugs, jugs and tea towels.

    The Catford Food Market takes place on the last Sunday of every month, 10am–4pm, on Catford Broadway so come along to the next market on Sunday 29th April.

    Team Catford roadshow

    If you haven’t spoken to us about the big changes for Catford yet, what are you waiting for?! Take a look at our forthcoming engagement events here and come and share your views on our town centre.

    As well as these events, we’re also inviting ourselves along to other meetings. In March alone, we popped along to the Rushey Green, Catford South and Whitefoot local assemblies, the Neighbourhood Community Development Partnership (NCDP) meeting at the Irish Centre and the age-friendly city event organised by the Lewisham Pensioners’ Forum.

    If you’re a member of a residents’ association, community or amenity group; a regular at a place of worship; or you know of an event where you’d like to see Team Catford please let us know. Email hello@teamcatford.com with details. .

    Here’s a video of us at the NCDP event.

    Countdown to Catford’s masterplan

    In March, Lewisham Council launched the tender process to find the very best architects to draw up the masterplan for Catford town cente. Prospective bidders have a month to submit their proposals and it is anticipated a decision on the winning team will be made in May. If you’d like to learn more about the masterplan process take a look at this page on our new website.

    Posted on 3rd April 2018

    by Team Catford

    Catford is Young and Vocal

    February saw Team Catford host Young and Vocal, Catford’s first ever night dedicated to celebrating and encouraging Catford’s next generation of creative minds. Attended by over 100 keen creatives from across South London, the evening took place in a vacant unit in Catford Shopping Centre and gave guests the opportunity to enjoy exciting live performances, admire striking artwork and rub shoulders with like-minded individuals. Take a look at our video to see how the evening unfolded and watch this space for more exciting events from Team Catford.

    Save the date! Catford Beer Festival 8-10th June

    Prepare to enjoy ice cold beer, delicious street food and exciting live music as Catford Beer Festival returns to the neighbourhood in June. Taking place at the Catford Bridge Tavern just days before the World Cup, the festival will feature 40 different types of beer including the specially brewed Catford Pride Pale Ale. To stay updated on the festival and make sure you don’t miss a thing, follow @CatfordBeerFest on Twitter.

    Tastebuds ready? Catford Food Market is coming

    We’re just a few short weeks away from welcoming the eagerly awaited Catford Food Market. Taking place on Catford Broadway from 10am-4pm on Sunday 25th March and on the last Sunday of each month, the market offers a chance to sample some South East’s London’s most exciting food entrepreneurs.

    Enjoy treats and flavours from across the globe with a line up featuring delicious Indian street food from Raastawala, tempting Caribbean dishes from Jerk Off and Japanese fayre from Fuse.

    There will also be artisan producers offering a selection of bread, cakes, cheese, jams and chutney.

    Team Catford will be there as well to listen to your views and aspirations for the area.

    Join the Catford Conversation and tell us what you think

    It’s full steam ahead with our community engagement programme. We’ve collected over 1,450 thoughts, ideas and concerns from people across the neighbourhood, and we want to hear more. Every single comment will be passed on to the architects responsible for designing the regeneration masterplan, a blueprint to guide development in Catford over the next 20 years. We’ll be listening to your views at Rushey Green Assembly at the Civic Suite on 14th March, but if you can’t make that here is a list of our forthcoming events .

    Wednesday 14th March , 7-9pm, Rushey Green Assembly, Civic Suite

    Saturday 17th March , 10.30am - 12.30pm, Catford South Assembly, Rushey Green Primary School (Culverley Road entrance)

    Sunday 25th March , 10am -4pm, Catford Food Market, Catford Broadway

    Saturday 28th April , 11am-2pm, Catford Library

    Sunday 29th April , 10am -4pm, Catford Food Market, Catford Broadway

    Saturday 26th May , 11am-2pm, Catford Library

    Sunday 27th May, 10am-4pm, Catford Food Market, Catford Broadway

    Friday 6th - Sunday 8th June , 12noon – 11pm, Catford Beer Festival, Catford Bridge Tavern

    Saturday 7th July , 12noon – 8pm, Lewisham People’s Day, Mountsfield Park

    Alternatively, you can leave your comments on our Commonplace Map .

    Make sure you stay up to date with all things Team Catford including our forthcoming events by following us on Twitter , Facebook , Instagram , or visiting our new website www.teamcatford.com.

    Posted on 6th March 2018

    by Team Catford

    Join the #CatfordConversation!

    So far over 1,400 ideas, concerns and suggestions have been shared with us and we want to hear more! Every comment will be seen by the architects who will draw up the masterplan for the regeneration of Catford Town Centre so make sure you have your say.

    We’ll be in Catford Library this Saturday from 11am-2pm but if you can’t make it click here for a list of upcoming events

    Who was your #Catfordcrush?

    In the run up to Valentine’s Day we encouraged everyone to tell us which Catford business held a special place in their hearts and reveal their #CatfordCrush

    We were inundated with love letters, tweets and posts and the business that received the most love was The Bar & Bottle Shop on Catford Broadway!

    We've been in touch with Natalie and Xhulio over at The Bottle Bar and Shop to tell them the good news, and they were delighted with all of the Catfordian love they received. Here's what they had to say:

    "We're so grateful for the continuous and fantastic support (online and in person) locals have shown us. It seems our community is keen to "shop local" and support small businesses like ours, a great thing for Catford! We still can't believe we won the #Catfordcrush competition, THANK YOU so much for your votes and kind words!"

    South London's next big food destination!

    Catford has a long tradition of street markets, dating back to the 1800s when the neighbourhood’s very first market began. Now, Team Catford is celebrating this tradition and is launching the Catford Food Market.

    From 10am-4pm on Sunday 25th March and on the last Sunday of each month, the market on Catford Broadway will showcase some of South East’s London’s most exciting food entrepreneurs.

    It will give savvy locals the opportunity to connect with the prolific street food scene and give local entrepreneurs the opportunity to raise their profiles.

    It’s an international affair with North East Indian treats from Raastawala, tempting Caribbean dishes from Jerk Off, mouth-watering South African specialities from Ma Kates and Japanese fayre from Fuse.

    As well as street food there will be artisan producers offering bread, cakes, cheese, jams and chutney.

    By implementing recommendations submitted to Commonplace, Catford Food Market will create real opportunities for new and existing businesses, in line with the Council’s vision to provide an exciting and sustainable retail offer that is fully supported by and meets the needs of local people.

    Team Catford will also be there to listen to your views and aspirations for the area.

    £20m funding will help to revive our town centre

    Earlier this month, Lewisham Council secured £20m towards the regeneration of Catford and Lewisham town centres. For Catford, this money will go towards moving the south circular behind Laurence House, making land available for new homes, shops and public spaces. With the borough’s population set to grow by 14% by 2024 (according to ONS figures 2014-2024) there is a real need to build more homes, and the Council, envisages that up to 2,500 new homes could be built across Catford Town Centre over the next ten years.

    In summer 2018, architects will be appointed by the Council to prepare a draft masterplan – a plan of plans to guide development in Catford Town Centre over the next 20 years. We’ll share this draft masterplan with the community, discussing how new homes can be accommodated across the town centre, making the most of underused sites whilst considering the existing character of the area.

    Are You Young and Vocal?

    To celebrate and encourage Catford’s next generation of creative minds, Team Catford’s newest and youngest member, Charisse Chikwiri, has organised Young and Vocal - Catford’s first ever night dedicated to young creatives in South East London.  

    Taking place in a vacant shop in Catford Shopping Centre this Saturday, the event features a strong line-up of musicians, DJs, writers and visual artists showcasing their talents and skills.

    Guests are invited to come and enjoy the creativity and network with like-minded people.

    Tickets are limited, free and available at Eventbrite . Strictly over 18’s.

    And finally…

    Did you that we have a new website?  Visit www. teamcatford.com to find out more about the regeneration of the town centre, have your say and stay up to date on all of the exciting Team Catford projects.

    Posted on 22nd February 2018

    by Team Catford

    An exciting new year ahead!

    2018 will be a year of big and bold thinking for Catford. We hope you’re ready for an exciting year!

    For those of you who have been keeping close tabs on Catford happenings, you’ll already know that 2017 brought plenty of exciting Team Catford milestones. We celebrated our neighbourhood’s first ever Gin Festival, welcomed Supersets and their transformational plans to the Thomas Lane depot, the Festive Kids Craft Fair and of course an array of stunning street art. You may have also noticed us popping up in Little Nan’s, Rushey Green and Catford South Local Assemblies and Catford Library gathering your thoughts, comments, and ideas on how Catford could change in the future.

    Take a look a look at this video roundup showing some of the highlights of 2017.

    With 2017 now behind us, it’s full steam ahead for our public engagement programme, with numerous opportunities for us to gather your comments and make sure your views are heard as our neighbourhood changes.

    There will also be plenty of exciting events, including the eagerly awaited arrival of Catford Food Market, and, of course, the all new Catford Crush – a chance for us all to celebrate the much-loved restaurants, shops, cafes, pubs and market stalls – the hidden gems - that make Catford the neighbourhood we all cherish.

    Who is Team Catford?

    Some of you have quite rightly asked who we are. Well, we’re a bunch of local consultants who all live in the borough, mostly Catford, that specialise is public engagement, urban planning, meanwhile use and place- making. We’ve launched the major community engagement on behalf of Lewisham Council.

    Upcoming Consultation Events

    We now have over 1,300 comments on Commonplace and we want to hear more! Every single comment will be seen by the architects who will draw up the masterplan for the regeneration of the town centre. Here’s a list of our forthcoming consultation events. Pop by and make sure you have your say!

    Monday 5th February, 7-9pm: Civic Suite

    Saturday 24th February, 11am-2pm: Catford Library

    Saturday 3rd March, 10:30am – 12:30pm, Catford South Assembly, St Laurence Church Hall, Bromley Road

    Wednesday 14th March, 7-9pm, Rushey Green Assembly, Civic Suite

    Sunday 25 March, 10am -4pm, Catford Food Market, Catford Broadway

    Saturday 28th April, 11am-2pm: Catford Library

    Sunday 29th April, 10am -4pm, Catford Food Market, Catford Broadway

    Do you have a #CatfordCrush?

    With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s only fair to spread the love to the Catford businesses that hold a special place in our hearts. Catfordians can get in touch and tell us their #CatfordCrush by sending us their stories and photos through Twitter , Instagram and Facebook or a good old fashioned love letter. The business with the most love will receive a special prize!

    Monthly Catford Food Market

    Catford has a long tradition of street markets, dating back to the 1800s when the neighbourhood’s very first market first started.Now,Team Catford is celebrating this tradition and launching the Catford Food Market. On Sunday 25th March and on the last Sunday of every month, the market will showcase some of South East London’s premier street food entrepreneurs and crafters. Traders include Catford’s very own Raastawala, Brett and Bailey, Van Dough, Jerk Off , Three Hounds Brewery and Catford Arts. Team Catford will also be there to listen to your views.

    Reporting problems and issues

    Team Catford is here to make sure that everyone who lives, works, socialises, commutes or runs a business in Catford has their say as our community changes. As part of this we are collecting your thoughts, views and opinions on our interactive map.

    While we are always keen to hear what you think, please note that if you would like to report an issue relating to areas such as flytipping and anti –social behaviour , then you should go directly to Lewisham Council who will be able to assist you further. Please contact Lewisham Council for more information.

    Posted on 16th January 2018

    by Team Catford

    Kids creative crafts comes to Catford!

    South Londoners will have a chance indulge in a spot of seasonal fun and indulge their creative sides with the Catford Kids Craft Fair. Set to be held on Sunday 10th December from 10am-4pm at 2-3 Winslade Way in Catford’s Brutalist shopping centre, the fair will feature a range of exciting arts and craft activities suitable for the whole family.

    Catford native Aisling Roycroft, renowned for using everyday domestic and scrap materials to create stunning works of art will be holding a workshop offering the chance to create a special, and unique Catford postcard. Meanwhile anyone eager to make their very own seasonal lino printed cards can join Lewisham School of Art and Design teacher Sarah Gursoy Heuser’s festive card making workshop. For those who lean more towards the digital side of creativity, local tech guru David Morley will be on hand to show budding techies how to code their very own festive e-cards. Local artists Charlotte Gainey and Owain Nicholl who were responsible for the butterfly painting fluttering along the south circular will host a session aimed at helping young Catfordian celebrate their neighbourhood, with the pair also producing a, and what they would like to change. Nicholls has also produced a new winged masterpiece which will be unveiled on the day. Finally, mosaics artist Tamara Froud, best known as the creator of the much loved “Pride of Catford” mural that has recently adorned the side of Blythe Hill Tavern, will help guests create their very own baubles and snow globes.

    Posted on 4th December 2017

    by Team Catford

    Gin, butterflies and creative ideas for Catford

    The community engagement is well underway and we’ve gathered ideas from over 1,100 people on the Commonplace website and via face-to-face events. Over the last month, we’ve popped up at Little Nan’s, the Rushey Green local assembly, two consultation events at the library and the Lewisham Pensioners' Forum's Financial Fair. Nearly everyone has told us Catford has a special character that should be preserved as we embark on the big changes - we agree! Check out the latest engagement events here , add your thoughts to the map here and be sure to come along to chat to us.

    Here’s a quick roundup of what we’ve been up to in Catford over the last month.

    Have you seen Catford's butterflies?

    Anyone wandering through Catford in recent weeks will have noticed new and exciting artwork popping up throughout the neighbourhood. From butterflies fluttering along Catford Bridge, to mice hiding from the Catford Cat, the artwork is not only showcasing some of Catford’s talented artists, but is also proving to be a real talking point for Catford folk. Team Catford is proud to support 6 Arts and the stunning street art unfolding across the town centre - three cheers to the team and watch this space for more to come. We’ve been out and about to hear views on what the artwork means to Catford - listen to just some of their thoughts below.

    Supersets

    Lights, camera, action, Catford! Catford was once south east London’s film capital, home to three cinemas, and more recently the Catford Free Film Festival, now in its third successful year. Our neighbourhood will once again become a film hotspot with the set construction company, Supersets, ready to take over the Thomas Lane depot. Following a successful crowdfunding campaign, Supersets will now use their expertise to renovate and revive the building, creating a workshop that will be used to create film and TV sets. The space will also be transformed as a community hub, with plans for a community beach and a skate park, drive-in movie nights, evening classes and apprenticeships. Hear more about Supersets plans for the space in the video below.

    Catford's very first gin festival

    Over a warm autumn weekend, award winning distillers and gin lovers alike flocked to Catford for the neighbourhood’s first ever gin festival. Held in an empty unit in Catford’s shopping centre, no less than 15 new and established gin brands were available for sampling and guests were invited to relax in the gin cocktail bar, swot up on their gin facts at the gin masterclasses and, of course, take away a bottle of Catford’s very own Tom Cat Six, scotch bonnet infused gin from the on-site shop. There was also plenty to keep rumbling stomachs satisfied with mouth-watering street food from Raastawala and Jerk Off BBQ. Watch our video of festival fun below.

    Follow us on Twitter , Instagram or Facebook to keep up to date with Team Catford's news.

    Posted on 27th October 2017

    by Team Catford

    South East London’s Premier Gin Festival – Catford Gin Festival – 7th & 8th October 2017

    Gin evokes many images, from Manhattan cocktail bars, to Hogarth’s ‘Gin Lane’, and, as of October of 2017; Catford.

    Yes; Catford, with its giant fibreglass cat and its numerous pound shops, will, at least for one weekend, be the gin capital of the world.

    The festival takes place in a vacant unit in one of London’s finest Brutalist shopping centres and is sponsored by Fever Tree, purveyors of the finest mixers.

    Confirmed producers so far include Pothecary, Graveney, Skully, Ragnarok, Colonsay, Old Bakery, brand new to the market Mary Rose Gin and locally produced Mean London Dry.

    Chris Rodgerson of Greenwich-based Mean Gin

    “We’re incredibly excited about Catford Gin Festival – both the opportunity to be there at the beginning of something this exciting for the South London gin scene, and for local gin aficionados to have the chance to sample our gin and meet us in person!”

    It’s not just established brands on show, Tom Cat Six, Catford’s very own brand of gin, will be launching at the event. London Dry style gins have led the way in gin’s 21st century revival, but Tom Cat Six is breathing new life into the Old Tom style of gin – Britain’s favourite 18th century tipple.

    Charlotte Rose , who runs Forest Hill Gin Club and is an organiser, along with Team Catford, said :

    'It’s going to be unlike any other gin festival. First, it’s only £15 which is a third of the price of most festivals. They sometimes have over 50 distillers, who could and should drink that many shots? Instead, we’ve selected award winning distillers who really know their craft and strive to make amazing gins.’

    The ticket price includes entry to the festival, a branded copa balloon and four tokens to exchange with distillers for a taste of their gin. More tokens can be purchased throughout the day at a cost of just £3 each.

    There will also be a gin cocktail bar, gin masterclasses, a gin shop and lip-smacking street food by Raastawala and Jerk Off BBQ.

    The Catford Gin Festival takes place on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th of October at  2-3 Winslade Way , Catford Shopping Centre, Catford SE6 4JU

    Tickets are limited and on sale at  www.catfordginfestival.co.uk or direct from Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/catford-gin-festival-2017-tickets-36987201716

    www.catfordginfestival.com

    Twitter: @CatfordGinFest

    Instagram: @CatfordGinFest

    Facebook: @CatfordGinFestival

    Posted on 20th September 2017

    by Team Catford

    The Little Nan’s effect

    A cultural revival is already underway in Catford. If you haven’t been yet, get yourself to this kitsch, theatrical café bar in the foyer space of the historic Broadway Theatre where cocktails are served in teacups with names inspired by Pat Butcher’s earrings.

    Tristan Scutt opened Little Nan’s in Catford earlier this year as one of the first of the Council’s meanwhile use spaces and - along with other pubs, bars and restaurants - it is encouraging a wave of innovative food, film and art pop-ups in the town centre.

    For those of us old enough to remember, Catford was once home to three cinemas and with the Catford Arts Trail, artists’ studios in the Old Town Hall, Catford Free Film Festival and the Catford beer festival, the town centre is rapidly reclaiming its title as the cultural hub of the borough of south east London.

    We're asking people what they think about the town centre and we've heard:

    #Catfordconversation“Pedestrianise it with cafes and outdoor seating.” (Broadway)“keep area affordable for small shops.” “Better market.” “Drunks.”

    Tristan Scutt, owner of Little Nan's: "We opened up in Catford earlier on this year, and the love from the local community has been totally amazing. We have hosted many community events for the kids and the elderly which have been really popular and we will be hosting many more of these events whilst we are in SE6! Thank you Catford for welcoming us with open arms, Little Nan loves you all!"Theresa on the Catford Centre: “I would like the building to be changed to a shopping centre… where you can go in, and you can sit down and you can drink coffee, buy cakes and things to eat and relax a bit before you continue your journey.”Claire on priorities for Catford: “To really get a sense of community going and some nice places for people to go and to sit within a community.”

    Michelle on Broadway: “we’d love a little Primark in Catford. And a little JD Sport – a little bit of everything in Catford, and there’s space for it here.”

    What’s your favourite shop, restaurant, café or pub in the town centre? Tell us how you’d like to see Catford town centre in the future.

    Posted on 13th September 2017

    by Team Catford

    How should we improve the area around the train stations?

    Catford and Catford Bridge stations provide excellent rail links into central London and Kent and we’re building a case for the Bakerloo line to be extended through Catford to Hayes. The area between the two stations is a key area for concern for local people. You’ve told us:

    #Catfordconversation“Shared train info board to know which station to go to.” “Grim underpass.” “Connect the stations.” “Safer crossing.”

    We’ve been talking to people who regularly use the train stations and those who pass through the area on foot, by bike or car. Take a look at what they’re saying and join in by adding your thoughts to the map .

    Denise on pedestrian crossings “I do feel they need to put certain things in place to make it safer for pedestrians.”

    Dale on the train stations: “I don’t feel any danger around the station as there’s normally people working there.

    Al on a popular cut through into Catford town centre.

    Adrian on using cycling between Ladywell Fields and linear park.

    Tell us how you think the area around the stations could be improved by sharing your thoughts on the map.

    Posted on 13th September 2017

    by Team Catford

    Join the Catford conversation

    This is the beginning of an exciting time for Catford. Lewisham Council is leading a major regeneration which will transform our town centre by rerouting the south circular road freeing up more space for pedestrians; redeveloping the Catford Shopping Centre for new retail space, replacing Milford Towers and providing several hundred new homes across the town centre; as well as creating pedestrian-friendly areas, open spaces and new community facilities.

    It’s a long-term plan, but things are already changing. Little Nan’s Bar has recently moved into the historic Broadway Theatre and we’re talking to some exciting tenants for vacant spaces including the Brookdale Club and the Thomas Lane depot.

    Catford is speaking out with almost 1,000 people telling us what they like about the town centre and ideas for how it could be improved. Take a look at what they’re saying and join in by adding your thoughts to this map .

    #CatfordconversationDervise on working in Catford: “I like the community. All the businesses in the local area, we all sort of look after each other. That’s what I like most about Catford.”

    Trevor on regenerating Catford.

    Chris on using the linear park cycle route into Catford.

    Pop by and chat to us at our next event

  • Wednesday 27th September, 1 – 5pm, Little Nan’s Bar (foyer of the Broadway Theatre)
  • Tuesday 3rd October, 7 – 9pm, Rushey Green Local Assembly, Civic Suite
  • Wednesday 18th October, 11am – 2pm, Catford Library
  • Saturday 21st October, 10am – 2pm, Catford Library
  • Wednesday 1st November, 7 - 9pm, Catford South Local Assembly, St Laurence Church Hall
  • Saturday 25th November, 2 - 4pm, Rushey Green Local Assembly, Civic Suite
  • Saturday 25th November, 4pm, Festive light switch on - Catford Broadway
  • Team Catford is here to listen to your ideas, speak up for the community and make sure your views are heard as Catford goes through its biggest change in decades.

    Posted on 13th September 2017

    by Team Catford