Local Business Exasperated by Slippage on Streetscape Works

Ladywell Road, looking east (taken today, 5 Sept 2013)

The Council has this week published the following statement:

"The [Ladywell Public Realm Improvements] scheme was originally expected to finish in September 2013.  However, work has been delayed because of ongoing and unforeseeable problems with underground services being located at an unusually shallow depth.  This has proved to be particularly true between Malyons Road and Chudleigh Road.  The carriageway work is now expected to be completed in mid October when the road will be reopened, and the paving of the footways will continue with an expected completion of the work around the end of November.

"A further issue, relating to underground cellars in Algernon Road, is currently being resolved. The contractor has now deployed additional staff and undertaken some working on weekends and Bank Holidays to speed up progress overall.  Many of these extra workers will focus on completing the works in Algernon Road and on the carriageway and drainage works in the remainder of Ladywell Road, before moving onto the footway works in Ladywell Road.

"The buses will be diverted down Phoebeth Road and Francemary Road whilst Chudleigh Road is closed at its junction with Ladywell Road. In order to facilitate this the humps in Phoebeth Road and Francemary Road will be replaced temporarily with speed cushions."

The Ladywell Village Improvement Group, which fought hard for these improvements, continues to believe they'll transform Ladywell for the better and, ultimately, boost the local economy.  Whilst some unforeseen problems have been encountered by Conways (the contractors), local traders have been suffering unreasonably because of the protracted works.  The Council must ensure Conways get Ladywell Road open quickly (i.e. earlier than specified above) and meet Ladywell traders to develop an action plan to get businesses up and running again as quickly as possible.

Ladywell Tavern closes for refurb

It seems the Ladywell Tavern is taking the disruption caused by the current streetscape improvement works as a convenient opportunity to close, from today, for a welcome refurbishment.  The pub expects to reopen sometime in September.  If we can find out more on the refurb and the re-opening date we'll post it here.

Robert Sheppard

Ladywell streetscape improvements - latest timetable

Leaflets have now been circulated detailing the latest timetable.  This information has also been published here on the Council website.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of September this year.
Robert Sheppard

Cinema plans for Ladywell?

Brockley Central reports that Curzon Cinemas are in discussion with the Council about the potential for a cinema development on the site of the soon-to-be-closed Ladywell Leisure Centre.
Robert Sheppard

Church Grove site in Ladywell identified for new self-build scheme

Self-build Scheme at Walters Way, Honor Oak Park

The Council has identified the Watergate School site on Church Grove (only a few years ago the proposed location for a traveller site) for 16 self-build homes.

The Council says it's re-introducing its self-build scheme as a further step towards meeting the growing demand for social housing in the borough and to provide new skills for unemployed local people.

The scheme has been designed for people on Lewisham’s housing waiting list who want to develop their skills in house building trades such as electrical, carpentry, plumbing and bricklaying – and who also want to build their own home.

The initiative will be supported by the National Self-Build Association and run in partnership with an experienced house builder.

Another self-build scheme in Honor Oak Park (see photo), completed in the 1980s, was the first project of its kind in the UKand gave rise to similar projects around the country.

Applicants need to be a Lewisham resident and be on the Lewisham housing waiting list. For more information and to register your interest email housing.matters@lewisham.gov.ukor call 020 8314 9163.

Robert Sheppard

Tennis coaching in Ladywell Fields - Open Day this Saturday

South East London Community Tennis' coaching programme in Ladywell Fields will start on Saturday 20 April and there will be an Open Day, with free taster sessions, this coming Saturday 13 April.

Robert Sheppard

Le Delice opens

Le Delice opened today, just as Spring arrived, in the former Mason's building close to Ladywell Station.  Early signs are promising, and free hot drinks today was a nice gesture, as was the patron's genuine concern that I enjoyed my coffee.  The place was packed for the whole of the hour I was there, with people I didn't recognise from Ladywell, so maybe Le Delice will be able to pull in punters from further afield which, if so, could be good for other local businesses.

Robert Sheppard