The Ark, Lee Green - What happened to Lewisham's first parklet?

An abandoned sign left lying on the ground says: "This community space was built by artists, craftspeople and volunteers in the rainy autumn of 2020.

No public funding whatsoever supported this project."

Lynn Norledge is owner and manager of You don't bring me Flowers, a café and flower shop in the parade of shops that once bordered the area and now looks directly onto metal fencing.

She explains that the parklet and structure - which local residents named "The Ark" - were built in less than a month by local volunteers.

"It was during the emergency, someone's great idea for the community," she says. "It was beautiful, so many people helped to build it, the whole energy around it was amazing.

"People used to sit out there all the time, like a centre point where everyone meets and people just hang out."

Local resident Lillie Harris misses the space. "Families would sit outside the cafés .. it was just a very pleasant community space, with a really relaxed atmosphere. And it gave pedestrians the space to get to and from Hither Green station".

The area was boarded, with seating and tables, planters and its unique "Ark" structure which was built with a green roof.

There was space for prams and buggies, over time soft toys appeared and a box built to store them in, a sharing book library was set up and vines were planted.

As a community space, anyone could use it, whether they had purchased something from nearby cafes or brought their own drinks or food.

But four years later in December 24, reinforced metal fencing was erected, creating a locked "cage" around the area. The plants have died and rubbish is collecting inside.

"My business has been affected massively," says Norledge. "People can walk somewhere else where they can sit outside. And we see less people coming this way."

The café next door closed down after the fencing was erected, "I'm sure it hurt his business," she says.

Harris says: "There's been no information to the community about why this has happened, or any proposed timeline of what the council are intending to do".

After she started making enquiries in June, a council officer informed her: "The fencing was necessary due to the deterioration of the structure, which posed health and safety risks. This measure was implemented to ensure safety and prevent issues such as personal injuries, litter dumping, and antisocial behaviour."

However, residents and businesses say that the litter is now collecting inside the fenced off area.

Harris points out that the area feels less safe after dark - the barrier is creating a corridor and shops, including Sainsbury's local and its cashpoint, have been "fenced in".

"If you're stood at that cash machine, you can be very easily penned in," she says. The council officer confirmed to her that other residents have raised this concern.

As a local business owner, Norledge had hoped for consultation about the measures taken last December, the plans for the site and timescales for the work.

Local businesses offered to fundraise to build a structure and a local architect and customer is working on a design. But so far the council has turned them down.

She is disappointed by the lack of engagement from the council, and suggests that even one meeting between Friends and Users of Staplehurst Road Shops (FUSS) and council officers to talk face-to-face would have helped.

Meanwhile her business is taking a hit. Now, she's despairing:

"I just want it opened up," she says. "If they don't want to put a roof on, fine, we'll put some seats out there. Just sort out the rubbish."

Harris is still waiting for her ward councillors for Lee Green to respond.

Louise Krupski, Lewisham Deputy Mayor and Cabinet member for Environment, Transport and Climate Action said:

"The Ark was installed as a temporary measure during Covid. It is unfortunately now beyond practical repair and was deemed unsafe due to the risk of slips and trips.

“We have reached out to several prospective groups to take The Ark away and potentially recycle or reuse it. Despite early positive discussions, a suitable home could not be found. We will continue to explore further options this summer. If no suitable place is found, The Ark will be removed in September.”

 “We know how valuable community spaces like this are to residents and we will engage with the local community about possible replacement options.”