The Leegate shopping centre in Lewisham, once described as the 'Westfield of the 1960s', is being demolished to make way for a high-rise flat development with 500 homes. For decades, the centre served as a focal point for the south-east London community, attracting tens of thousands of shoppers weekly with former high street giants like Woolworths and Boots.
Community Hub in Its Heyday
Local residents spoke fondly of the Leegate, which was seen as a community hub in an area often considered the poorer relation to nearby affluent Blackheath. Officially opened in 1963 to great fanfare, the centre was considered modern for its time, featuring extensive car parking, cafes, and shops selling everything a family could need. However, by the 2000s, the centre had become a pale shadow of its former self, with crumbling buildings and empty retail units.
Demolition Underway
Bulldozers have now moved in, and the only remnant of the Leegate is the car park sign. The rumble of heavy machinery fills the air where there once was the hustle and bustle of a busy shopping centre. In recent years, the site fell into disrepair after the remaining few shops closed.
The future of the site is a mixed-use development by London Square, featuring 500 homes, a 17-storey tower with commercial space, a new public square, a health centre, and a supermarket. Residents expressed mixed feelings about the change.
Peter Elliott, 75, who has run a garage in Lee for over 30 years, said the Leegate was the heartbeat of the community until it became outdated and scruffy. He recalled: 'When it opened it was gleaming and had everything — Woolworths, Boots, the lot. In a way it was the Westfield shopping centre of its day. You could park your car and have a lovely afternoon shopping. It really was a great experience.' He added that even in later years, when a Wetherspoon pub opened, it remained lively. 'It's such a shame but times change, and hopefully this new development will give the area a lift.'
Karen Howlett, 44, a mother of two, said: 'The Leegate was part of life here. I remember buying my first CD in Woolworths. As kids we would hang out there — we really miss it. I just hope that what replaces it has some heart and soul because the old Leegate had bags of it.'
Carmen Estebao, 51, added: 'The Leegate had everything we needed — Boots, Woolworths, and Iceland for cheap food. I always bumped into neighbours and friends there. There really was a community spirit. But the new development looks good, and we have to move on. The worst thing has been having the site empty, dragging the life out of the area.'
Tom Cronin, 28, said: 'I'm too young to remember the shopping centre, but the site has been an eyesore. This development may mean gentrification, but that shouldn't be a dirty word. The local cafes and pubs struggle — all these new people moving in will boost the local economy.'
Developer's Vision
London Square has promised to transform the site into a 'vibrant town centre', leveraging its excellent train links to central London to attract commuters. Chief executive Adam Lawrence said: 'The Leegate centre site has long been a symbol of missed opportunity, but this scheme will be a real turning point for Lee Green. Our development will transform a run-down, derelict site into a vibrant local centre, delivering homes, significant affordable housing, and new community infrastructure. Just as importantly, it will restore activity, confidence, and investment to an area that has been overlooked too long.'
The previous owner, St Mowden, applied to develop the site in 2012, but plans stalled due to market conditions, leaving the Leegate in limbo. London Square has increased the percentage of social housing in the scheme from 36% to 46% and has received planning permission from Lewisham Council.
