Rerouting the South Circular in Catford - will it ever happen?
Plans to reroute the South Circular were first mooted in 1987. After the latest consultation in 2023, Mark Morris finds more delay and uncertainty.
Two years ago, Transport for London (TfL) undertook an extensive consultation about re-routing the South Circular (A205) in Catford, to help create a largely car-free town centre.
The proposals involved relocating part of Catford Road to go through the car park on the south side of Laurence House, creating a new car-free public space between Laurence House and the Civic Suite. The plans included improvements to pedestrian crossings and cycling infrastructure, along with new greening and planting to create a more attractive town centre for people to visit and live in.
The proposals were put forward as being central to the economic regeneration of the area.
Some people might have questioned some aspects of the proposals, but no one could deny that TfL actively engaged with the public. They sent out 6,082 letters to residents throughout the Catford Town Centre area, as well as 270 emails to local and regional key stakeholders.
The consultation was also publicised on social media and with local advertising. Drop-in sessions were held different venues and a display hosted at Catford library. The consultation was even covered by the Evening Standard.
Perhaps not surprisingly, the response rate to the consultation was high with 1,503 individuals and organisations taking part. Organisations that responded included Catford Salvation Army, St Dunstan’s College, Lewisham Living Streets, Lewisham Cyclists, Lewisham Positive Ageing Council and the Sydenham Society.
At this stage, I should declare that in addition to being a Catford resident, I responded to the consultation on behalf of Lewisham Liberal Democrats. While welcoming the scheme, we set out a number of areas where it could be further improved and asked for assurances that there would be a significant net growth in green space.
The staff car park behind Laurence House and trees that would be cut down as part of the plans, although proposals include replacements. Images: Mark Morris
Promises about the starting date
Two years on, it is far from clear when work on rerouting the South Circular will commence, and many doubt that it will ever happen.
Following the consultation, TfL stated: "We intend to have detailed designs of this scheme prepared by late 2024, with construction potentially starting in 2025. This is subject to further funding being available."
I submitted a public question to Lewisham Council last November. They responded:
"Following the change of government, the Department for Transport (DfT) has yet to make a decision on awarding Major Road Network funding, which is crucial for the project’s implementation.
"TfL’s current project timeline projects a commencement of works at St Dunstan’s Playing Fields in June 2025, which will pave the way for the subsequent highway works. If the initial phase of work begins in the summer of 2025, the highway works are expected to commence in May 2026 and span approximately two years.
"However, TfL is still awaiting confirmation of support for the scheme from the DfT. Until the DfT affirms its support, TfL is unable to issue contracts for construction.
"Delay in receiving confirmation from the DfT will inevitably result in a postponement of the project’s start date."
The current situation is that there is no confirmed start date, let alone a completion date. This is for the simple reason that no funding decision has been made by the Department for Transport (DfT), which would be the primary funder of the scheme.
DfT are making decisions about numerous other road schemes around the country, such as the highly expensive Lower Thames Crossing. But it seems that decisions relating to Catford are low in the government’s priorities.
It is possible that a decision might be made after the government concludes its review of public spending. If that happened this year, contracts could be awarded and a revised timetable for the project could be set.
However, this is just speculation. The only certainty at present is that the scheme will not be completed by the Summer of 2028.
It’s the hope that kills you
The reason that many local people are somewhat cynical about the rerouting of the South Circular ever taking place is quite simple - Catford residents have long memories.
Twenty-five years ago, a proposal to reroute the South Circular failed to receive government funding. A letter from the Highways Agency following a Parliamentary Question confirmed that the "A205 Catford Town Centre Improvement scheme" had been cancelled.
Plans for rerouting the South Circular have been around even longer. Incredibly, as long ago as 1987 the Department for Transport bought up a number of properties on Brownhill Road in preparation for planned alterations to the South Circular. Sadly these properties remained empty and a blight on Catford for over 20 years.
Creating a large pedestrianised area in Catford would have many advantages. The changes would make a real contribution to a better Catford, reducing air pollution and creating a safer and more attractive environment. A Town Centre which is attractive to live in and to visit could bring huge benefits.
The false hope of rerouting the South Circular has carried on for too long and Catford residents have been let down too many times. After years of waiting, we deserve some certainty.
Mark Morris has lived in Catford since 1999. He was a Liberal Democrat councillor for Downham ward on Lewisham Council from 2002 to 2009.
