Goldsmiths, University of London has cancelled plans to create a new campus for 600 students at Lewisham Council's Old Town Hall in Catford, a decision that has left the local authority 'shocked and surprised'.
The university's Fine Art and Design department was due to move from its current location at the former Lewisham College site in Deptford Bridge to the Old Town Hall next summer. The plans were first announced in January in a move the council described as a 'landmark partnership agreement'.
University cites strategic review
A spokesperson for Goldsmiths told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) on Monday (October 26): 'We recognise that there was significant interest in the proposals to relocate some of our programmes to Catford Old Town Hall.'
'Following a review of our academic, estate and investment priorities, we concluded that bringing all of our provision together at New Cross will deliver the greatest long-term benefit for students, staff, and the wider University community. This includes our internationally renowned Art and Design provision, which is central to Goldsmiths' identity and creative reputation.'
The spokesperson said bringing the community together on a single campus will create 'greater opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and student experience'.
Council responds to U-turn
On the previous Friday (October 23), the council said it was 'shocked and surprised' by Goldsmiths' decision, and said the move was important to the people of Catford and the council's partners.
A Lewisham Council spokesperson said: 'This decision was made by Goldsmiths based on their own financial and strategic considerations following a change in university leadership last month. We made significant investment into the building to facilitate the move and officers were working on plans for the move right up until we received the communication from Goldsmiths that they would not be proceeding.'
Joe Newman, University and College Union (UCU) co-president at Goldsmiths, told the LDRS: 'This doesn't seem to be something that's ultimately in the students' best interest. It may be a cost-saving measure, but it could well have a detrimental impact on students because the timeframe seems to be very tight. As far as we're aware, no formal notification of this U-turn has gone out to staff or students.'
He added: 'This is quite significant as a move from an employer that has such an impact on the local community and the local economy and to suddenly turn around in such a seemingly flippant way. A lot of work had gone into this and the council would have taken measures to prepare the building, which involved not renewing the tenancies or leases of artists working in those studios.'
Political blame over failed deal
It was announced in January that Goldsmiths was expected to enter a 10-year lease with the council, which at the time was under Labour control. However, a cabinet report from last month shows the lease had not yet been signed but the associated parties and legal teams were progressing with the Agreement for Lease.
Cllr Ese Erheriene, Leader of the Opposition Lewisham Labour Group, said: 'Goldsmiths pulling out of Catford is the second major blow to our borough in a week, following Landsec's decision to de-prioritise the Lewisham Shopping Centre redevelopment. This partnership, announced under Labour, would have brought more than 600 students into Catford, breathing new life into our high street.'
Cllr Erheriene added: 'This summer, the Mayor publicly set out his terms. Now the move is off. He must explain when he knew the campus was at risk, what he did to keep Goldsmiths in Catford and why those efforts failed. Protecting this partnership should have been a priority. Residents deserve answers and a credible plan to replace the opportunity Catford has lost.'
In response, the Green Mayor of Lewisham, Liam Shrivastava said: 'Lewisham Labour entered into this partnership in January to great fanfare despite not having any formal agreement in place. At that time, Goldsmiths was under interim leadership and its financial difficulties were well documented. Labour's announcement said it expected Goldsmiths to sign a 10-year lease when it had not even agreed a Heads of Terms, which happened under my leadership.'
He added: 'Throughout the process with Goldsmiths, I sought assurances from the institution on its financial situation. Despite Cllr Erheriene and her fellow Cabinet members approving the deal, it appears no due diligence was carried out by Labour.'
Mayor Shrivastava claimed the opposition group 'instructed council officers to start spending money on the move', and said artists working in the Old Town Hall were handed eviction notices before a formal agreement had been signed.
He added: 'Goldsmiths' unexpected decision to pull out of Catford came after the appointment of a permanent Vice-Chancellor last month followed by a re-evaluation of the College's strategic and financial priorities. At no point did Goldsmiths communicate any concerns about the move to Catford to the council.'
The Lewisham Council spokesperson said they will take some time to consider how to move forward with the long-term use of the Old Town Hall, which is part of the council's refreshed masterplan for Catford. They said: 'We remain committed to revitalising the area and working with the community to bring genuine improvements to Catford.'
Mayor Shrivastava concluded: 'We remain committed to revitalising Catford and have already begun looking into alternative tenants for the building, taking a more sensible and pragmatic approach than the previous administration.'
