In a significant move for South London, Goldsmiths, University of London is set to establish a major new campus in the heart of Catford. The university will take over Lewisham Council's historic Old Town Hall in what is being hailed as a landmark partnership agreement.
A Decade-Long Deal to Revitalise Catford
The plans, which are expected to receive formal approval from Mayor of Lewisham Brenda Dacres and her Cabinet on Wednesday, January 21, involve a 10-year lease. Goldsmiths will relocate its Fine Art and Design departments to the iconic building, bringing more than 600 students into Catford's town centre from September 2027.
The council has confirmed that staff and services currently based in the Old Town Hall will be moved to alternative locations, including Laurence House. Work to adapt the historic building for its new academic purpose is scheduled to begin later this year.
Driving Footfall and Economic Growth
Lewisham Council views the partnership as a cornerstone of its strategy to regenerate Catford. The influx of students and university staff is anticipated to increase footfall dramatically, support local businesses, and create new opportunities for residents.
"This is a powerful example of what long-term partnership can achieve," said Mayor Brenda Dacres. "Bringing Goldsmiths into the heart of Catford is not just about a new campus – it's about anchoring creativity, learning and opportunity in our town centre."
She added that the move would help create the conditions for Catford to thrive, supporting the council's vision for the area as a vibrant place to live, work, and study.
A Solution for Goldsmiths' Space Needs
The initiative was driven by Goldsmiths' need to find a new home for departments currently using the former Lewisham College site in Deptford. That site is earmarked for redevelopment, requiring the university to vacate by July 2027.
A council Cabinet report revealed that Goldsmiths was keen to remain within the borough and identified Catford as the only suitable location in Lewisham that could meet its requirements. The university needs approximately 6,000 square metres of space for its graduate design and fine arts departments.
This development marks the latest in a series of regeneration projects for Catford. It follows the recent opening of a new pub, The Catford House, and precedes the planned construction of over 100 affordable homes at Thomas' Lane Yard, an underused car park north of Catford Broadway. That larger scheme will also feature green public spaces and commercial workspace.
