Deptford - Urban Design Proposal

A Vision for Culturally Connected Deptford Design Proposal

Nicola Jurkiewicz

MA Urban Design

The Dynamic City (CW3)

Introduction

Located in South-East London, Deptford used to be an attractive centre for business, migration and cultural exchange as well as the Royal Navy. It benefits from excellent railway links with central London and the Canary Wharf area. However, with the decline in economic activities it became recognised as the new opportunity area for change. Unfortunately, recent re-developments in Deptford contributed to many socio-economic divisions as well as incongruities in the urban form, ignorant of the local context.

This design proposal sets a new vision for Deptford with a focus on strengthening the cultural heritage, identity and integration of the local community. At the same time, looking at the objectives from ecological and economic perspectives, recognised via Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis. On top of that, a review of current policies and design guidelines has led to the following design proposal.

Site Location

Figure Ground Public Transport Traffic & Cycling

Local Context

Having one of the highest fractions of multiculturality, Lewisham was named the 2022 Borough of Culture (Council of Europe, 2011). According to Butler and Robson’s study (2003), the modern multicultural character of Deptford is its main attraction.

Map of Deprivation

Ethnicity (excluding White British) in Deptford (ONS Census 2011)

Black African White Other Black Caribbean Other Asian Chinese Other Black White & Black Caribbean Other Ethnic Group Other Mixed White & Black African White Irish Bangladeshi Indian White & Asian Arab Pakistani White Gypsy or Irish Traveller

Deptford Lewisham

0 5 10 15 20

Residents (%)

Population in Deptford (Lewisham Council, 2019)

Currently one of the most deprived areas in England (dark yellow), according to Deptford Neighbourhood Action (2019). Historically, Deptford High Street was recognised as the hub of wealth and business (Bullman, et. al. 2012). In contrast, currently the high street displays the highest levels of economic decline and poverty in the area.

Heritage & Identity

Local identity can be derived from many factors, like historical heritage, local traditions (Deffner 2007) as well as surrounding environment and changes over time (Hall, 1997). A unique and continuous place identity can create a sense of attachment and bond between local communities (Proshansky, 1978), which is an important aspect in urban development, as it can be utilised as an anchor for social and economic engagement.

Cultural Heritage is an official part of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in order to protect important cultural rights (Rypkema, 2019). There are two heritage conservation areas in the study area: Deptford High Street and St. Paul’s Church.

Land Use & Heritage Conservation Area

In 2019, Lewisham became one of six ‘Creative Enterprise Zones’ across London igniting a SHAPESLewisham initiative to locate and support the creative community with diversity at its heart (SHAPESLewisham, 2022).

Among other creative organisations, the Creative Lewisham service is working towards improving local culture and providing a force for

“Without identity there could be no human world” - Jenkins (2004)

SWOT Analysis

Deptford is disproportionately affected by social marginalisation and loss of biodiversity, through new private development projects that lack connection with local context. This creates an opportunity to balance these changes by reinforcing existing green spaces and creating new connections within the neighbourhood.

High street popularity

Rich historic heritage

Active creative communities

Demographic diversity Strategic location Good public transport Public art, graffiti

W O

Social marginalisation

Physical barriers (railway, river)

Mental barriers (old and new, local and foreign, rich and poor)

Building over existing wildlife Poor connection between high street- Creekside-Thames Sense of abandonment of the high street and the market

Economic deprivation

High levels of pollution (construction works, traffic)

Underused public spaces

New developments attract more business and tourism Open spaces can be used as new destinations

Potential to connect creative industries to embrace and protect cultural diversity Potential to connect landmarks to create stronger sense of place

Strengths S Weaknesses Opportunities Threats

Decay and erosion of heritage objects

Increased privatisation Top-bottom approach in redevelopment

Rising rent prices and further gentrification

Low levels of mixed-use and engagement at the riverfront

TAccess to the waterfront and the Creek is very important to Deptford’s identity and ecology, however new developments create more access barriers and loss of cultural and environmental landmarks. These developments have also largely contributed to gentrification and displacement of local residents. Despite the growing diversity and creative scene, tensions between different socio-economic groups are rising. This calls for appropriate strategies for social inclusivity and integration alongside improvements in ecological and economic sectors that will aim to unite and help retain local communities.

Gentrification Response

As a response to the century-long housing crisis in the United Kingdom, new developments are required by the London Plan to meet 60% as affordable housing. It has been said that 100% affordable housing developments can prove to be more beneficial if they provide mixed-use opportunities (Guler, 2020). There is a potential to rent a proportion or all of affordable housing developments to the local council in order to assure their prompt development. With this in mind, new housing cannot guarantee prevention of further gentrification, therefore securing current housing must be a priority.

Cultural Heritage

Following the initiative of creative organisations (Deptford X and Deptford Aint Avvinit) in 2018 (Sophia Kosmaoglou), the Deptrod Art & Gentrification Walk can be utilised to connect important cultural and heritage sites in Deptford. This informs about the preferred walking routes of the locals and creates an opportunity to become a permanent feature of the neigh-

Prioritising retention and good maintenance of current housing. ◊ Protection of current tenants rights and addressing racial homeownership gaps. ◊ Good maintenance of the heritage conservation areas. ◊ Increase the number of affordable

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Personal Impression of distinct characteristics of areas in Deptford

Connection Opportunity Road Railway Distinct Area

Deptford Art & Gentrification Walk (Ruane, 2018)

Deprivation Response

Current plans for the regeneration of Deptford by the Greater London Authority (2022) include:

• Promotion of cultural events strengthening the market.

• High street improvements (reduction in traffic flow, new settings for market stalls and new lighting).

• Improvements in building frontages and shop fronts.

• Free training scheme and grant towards market trading.

• New position of Renewal Manager to support Deptford Society.

Building on top of the current strategies towards more sustainable market space:

◊ Increase the awareness and advertisement of the market as a feature for the local as well as neighbouring communities.

◊

Promotion of social events in and around the market, including better social media presence. Employment of social media content creators.

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Promotion of contactless payments and online presence of market traders.

◊ Improve the quality and accessibility of the market through partial pedestrianisation. Being mindful of the need for deliveries, restrict vehicular access to the high street to early morning only.

◊ Connect the market and the high street to other important cultural areas in Deptford.

Proposed Street Section Design by Halvorson Design (2019)

Inclusivity and Integration

The aim of social integration is to create “a society for all”, in which every individual, each with rights and responsibilities, has an active role to play (United Nations, 1995). Selected strategies recognised by the United Nations: ◊

Aiming towards a bottom-up approach in formulation, implementation and evaluation of planning decisions, through involvement and transparency of data. ◊

Promotion and protection of diversity. ◊

Promotion and protection of equity, equality and social justice. ◊ Elimination of physical barriers, such as fencing around the playgrounds to improve accessibility and social mixing. ◊ Ensure inclusive public spaces and playgrounds. ◊

Promoting the act of supporting one another in schools, organisations and social events. ◊

Promoting social inclusion and integration via cultural activities ◊

Utilise the Communion for Diversity in the Public Realm initiative established to recognise and support diversity in London via online access and advertisement. ◊

Connectivity Strategies

The 15-minute city model developed in the 60’s was pushed by the COVID-19 outbreak and became an objective of many urban regeneration projects. Essentially, this approach focuses on a new topology, where an urban area is constructed to allow up to 15 minute journeys by foot or cycling to basic services, effectively, reducing traffic and carbon footprint (Allam, Z. et al. 2022). The mapping of potential connections in Deptford is a starting point in recognising clear opportunities to achieve the 15-minute model. New or re-developed pedestrian and cycling connections have the potential to improve city ecology by using green technologies - rainwater retention, recycling and renewable energy systems. ◊

Monitoring of population growth and related vehicular use. ◊

Creation of car-free corridors, pedestrian routes and cycling lanes. ◊ Require diesel-free areas and clean ship fuel on the River Thames. ◊ Encourage hybrid vehicles and buses using photovoltaic panels. ◊ Create electric vehicle charging points.

Pedestrianisation/Green Corridor Route continues from the high street along the art & gentrification walk

Proposed connection between the high street and the Creek art cluster and the Deptford Creek Discovery Centre

Ecology & Climate Change

Through green recovery, London aims to become a zero-carbon and zero-pollution city by 2030 and zero-waste city by 2050 as well as provide new jobs and skills in environmental services according to The Green New Deal (Greater London Authority, 2022).

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2021), the global sea-water level is likely to rise between 0.4m and 1.0m by the end of the 21st century, which will increase local tidal floods, coastal erosion and decrease in many ecosystems. Therefore, water resilient strategies must be incorporated into green recovery to assure sustainability.

Energy:

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Use of photovoltaic panels and interactive playground elements to generate electricity used for sustainable street lighting.

◊ Protection of existing parks .

◊ Tree planting and providing guidance on planting for air quality.

Pollution:

◊ Carry out air quality assessments before, during and after construction developments.

◊ Require all developments to have a neutral air quality impact.

◊ Improve air quality monitoring and raise social awareness of air pollution via local organisations, schools and events.

◊ Promotion, advertisement and utilisation of online services, such as FixMyStreet, in order to allocate waste collection and report environmental issues.

Waterfront:

◊ Create better access to the river Thames and the Creek in order to retrieve environmental heritage.

◊ Create social events for climate change awareness in collaboration with the Creekside Discovery Centre and in measuring and managing water level changes.

◊ Initiate tree planting and green open spaces at the waterfront.

◊ Creation of habitat patches and non-linear shorelines to reduce flooding and increase biodiversity.

◊ Require the use of slit curtains to reduce construction pollution in the river.

Protection of Partially Lost Wildlife Due To New Developments

Climate-Aware Community Hub

The Hub is a space for integration and networking, while addressing current social, economic and environmental needs. The creation and management of such space is complex and requires a solid framework. A good precedent and guidance towards forming a community hub can be found on the Greater London Authority website among other numerous London Community Response Hubs that formed after the COVID-19 outbreak.

Location

Indoor and outdoor spaces around the Creekside Discovery Centre as well as along the railway arches through elimination of fencing.

Purpose

• Collaboration between the locals and the eco-friendly community.

• Stronger connection between the community and the Creekside, at the same time retrieving lost environmental heritage.

• New educational activities with ecological and cultural meanings.

• Environment-conscious trends.

• New local identity promoting diversity and inclusiveness.

• Cross-promotion of cultural heritage and cultural activities in the neighbourhood.

• Additional well-being support.

Involvement

• Hosting Deptford Neighbourhood Action group meetings.

• Exploring the Creek at low tides by the Creekside Discovery Centre.

• Community garden kitchen run by the centre and the local community.

• Showcase space and trade of local products.

• Starting a community land trust by the local community.

• Social media content creating learning and practice by the local community.

• Art workshops, sales and exhibitions by local artists.

Funding and Stakeholders

National funding supporting the strategies:

• The Mayor of London’s High Street Fund for development of the high street market.

• The Mayor’s Energy Efficiency Fund to enhance low carbon projects in London.

• The National Heritage Fund with a focus on community-led heritage regeneration.

• The UK Shared Prosperity Fund supports preservation of cultural facilities.

• Community Ownership Fund and Cultural Development Fund to support cultural establishments and events.

• Communion for Diversity in the Public Realm Fund.

Other funding sources:

• The Lewisham Council offers 1t% of overall budget towards arts and culture, i.e. approximately £500,000 (Lewisham Council, 2021).

• Market licence fees towards high street and market developments.

Local Stakeholders

Developers Banks/ Lenders Investors

Utility Companies Central Government Local Government Landowners

Local Residents Amenity Groups Environmental Groups

Architects Engineers Consultants Construction Firms

Timeline and Impact

1. Open council meeting with the Creekside Discovery Centre, Deptford Neighbourhood Action and local creative and community representatives to understand their needs.

3. Appointment of appropriate consultants and community volunteers via local educational, religious and cultural establishments.

5. Appointment of local stakeholders and volunteers to monitor delivery of the plan.

7. Measuring, maintenance and limitation of all environmental pollution before, during and after construction.

9. Providing additional support until the hub becomes fully self-sustainable

2. Bid for the National Heritage Fund/ Community Ownership Fund/ Cultural DevelopmentFund.

4. Promotion and advertisement to gain community engagement.

6. Elimination of fencing and adaptation of the site to accommodate the plan ensuring flood resilience strategies.

8. Ensuring all design, construction and management costs are covered.

Conclusions

Design decisions shape the character of a place, its layout of streets, buildings and spaces between buildings of various architectural forms and expressions. Where this character undergoes drastic changes disturbing the coherence of local heritage, it may be more appropriate to create an entirely new identity rather than attempt to retrieve the bygone. With rapid developments in technology and lifestyle changes, this may be unavoidable. Therefore, well-designed spaces embracing local and new identity should contribute to well-being and place-making through the use of modern urban design theories and strategies.

Overall, strategies for sustainable heritage-led planning should:

◊ Physically connect rather than divide.

◊ Promote mixed use and mixed tenancy to avoid marginalisation.

◊ Prioritise conservation over demolition.

◊ Protect local ecology, river access and biodiversity.

◊ Engage communities at the earliest stages of planning towards the bottom-up approach and building trust.

◊ Protect the rights of minorities and embrace multiculturalism through inclusive place-making and appropriate representation in the council.

◊ Support local entrepreneurship in arts, culture, and other industries.

◊ Support heritage-building research and celebrations, such as the market.

◊ Promote social integration and well-being.

◊ Measure performance through well-selected sustainability indicators as well as actively adapt to the environmental changes (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 2021).

References

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Category Sustainability Indicator Performance in Deptford

Culture Number of cultural establishments/population

Planning strategies and priorities

There were 1080 cultural establishments within a population of approximately 275,885 as of 2008 (Lewisham Council, 2021).

The London Plan (2021) set out the ambition to support the continued growth of creative industries (Greater London Authority, 2021)

Community Policies towards social integration Pubs in Lewisham 2017 Policy recognises and supports pubs as hubs for community development (Lewisham Council, 2017).

Activity of local community

The Deptford Neighbourhood Action emerged as a response to losses in local heritage.

Conservation Policies protecting heritage Article 4 of the Town & Country Planning and the Historic Environment Policy (Policy Statement 5) requires an assessment of significance of any heritage asset affected in planning.

The Planning Act (1990) and the National Planning Policy Framework ensure conservation of heritage and sense of place (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 2021).