Deptford Parks
Liveable Neighbourhood
A resident-led Healthy Streets project for Deptford
What is the DPLN?
The DPLN is a resident led project to make routes to parks, green spaces and schools healthier, safer and traffic free. It is a collaboration with Lewisham Council and Sustrans, the walking & cycling charity, with the £2.9m funding coming from Transport for London
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Since being awarded the funding in 2017 a range of engagement events and activities have taken place across the area.
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Based on feedback from the events plans were drawn up, ideas collated and then consulted on.
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There was overwhelming support for the project from local residents.
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However, with the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, and with TfL funding drying up, the DPLN project was paused. Some funding was released in early-2020 meaning that elements of the Rolt Street project could be completed.
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Prince Street
Prince Street was a rat run. A narrow street full of parked cars. Passing vehicles, vans and lorries would mount the pavement causing accidents and damage to property. Children walking to and from school were not safe.
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Residents campaigned to close the street to motorised vehicles to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists.
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Lewisham Council officers alongside Lewisham Council Cabinet members supported the idea and in September 2019 the road was closed for a six month trial period using four large planters designed by Meristem.
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It has changed the area. Vehicles no longer race through the streets. The rat run has been shut down and children can travel safely to and from school.
The pub in the street, the Dog & Bell, have embraced it fully by creating an outdoor social space.
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The closure was made permanent in July 2021.
Picture: Dog & Bell Pickle Festival 16 November 2019
Rolt Street
The section of Rolt Street that runs alongside Folkestone Gardens from the railway arches to where the cafe, Festa sul Prato, sits has become a car park. Now that it is a one-way street it is no longer a rat run.
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In 2017 DeptfordFolk worked with Lewisham Council and Sustrans on a street co-design workshop. We closed the road temporarily and asked children from the local school Sir Francis Drake what they would like to see it this area. It was nominated for a Healthy Street Award.
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The proposal is to pedestrianise the road creating a larger park and safe, traffic free space for all to enjoy.
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When COVID-19 struck funding was paused but by early-2021 TfL released monies back to Lewisham Council. The highways department decided to close the road with ANPR cameras in July 2021
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It was not quite what was consulted on or quite what residents planned out in the co-design workshop in 2017. However, we hope residents take over the space as their own.
Picture: Rolt Street temporary closure & engagement
Scawen Road
The section of Scawen Road that runs from Grinstead Road outside Sir Francis Drake School was full of cars and pollution. It is now a permanent school street.
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The proposal is to close the road to cars and create a play street so that kids and parents can congregate and play safely as well as improve air quality around the school. In addition it will provide safe access to Deptford Park.
At some point 200+ homes will be built on the brownfield site opposite the school. A crossing will be built to provide safe access to Folkestone Gardens from Deptford Park.
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in 2018, as part of the engagement activities Lewisham Council temporarily closed Scawen Road for day to great success. In 2020 the road was closed under new COVID regulations using planters.
In July 2021 Scawen Road was closed permanently.
Picture: Scawen Road temporary closure & engagement
Canal Approach
The Surrey Canal used to run under the Blackhorse Bridge into a pool where the new Timberyard development (2,500 homes) is now being built.
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Canal Approach, the old tow path, extends from Evelyn Street to Folkestone Gardens where is joins Surrey Canal Road. It has been closed to the public for sometime despite being a right of way
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The proposal is to re-open a safe walking & cycling route connecting green spaces. It will link Cycleway 4 and Cycleway 1 and provide a traffic free route between our parks.
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With TfL funding withdrawn due to COVID in 2020 the future of canal approach as a walking and cycling link is in doubt.
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In July 2021 it was confirmed that after a short campaign Canal Approach was included in the Lewisham Local Plan.
Picture: The former canal road bridge, Canal Approach.
Woodpecker Road
During 2019 Sustrans ran a number of workshops and engagement events along Woodpecker Road, a pedestrianised walkway between Folkestone Gardens and Fordham Park. It is a fly-tipping hotspot.
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The proposals include seating, play equipment and planters to make the space more inviting, safer and greener.
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There also changes to the crossing on Stanford Street into Fordham Park.
Picture: Woodpecker Road engagement events
Other Ideas...
In line with the Healthy Streets programme, which is part of TfL policy, Lewisham Council are proposing a number of other interventions to make the streets around our parks safer.
These include continuous footways and more secure bike storage.
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If you want a secure bike hanger on your street or estate make sure you submit your request HERE
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Watch Sustrans Street Talks