EMERGING LONDON 2018

DEPTFORD SE8 While Barking has designs emulating the Big Apple, Deptford has looked closer to home for inspiration. The long-trailed Convoys Wharf redevelopment on the banks of the Thames has the potential, according to its backers, to turn a neglected riverside area into the ‘Shoreditch of South London.’ Like the Printworks at Canada Water (see pages 14-19) this is another former newspaper-related site which could see big change. A consented scheme allows for 3,500 new homes to be built on 41-acres of ex-News International land, also opening up river frontages for public access. Although Convoys Wharf is still at the planning stage, other developers have already moved in to complete smaller schemes, like U+I’s Deptford Project, winner of the 2017 London Planning Awards. Two acres of former railway land, including derelict arches, next to the railway station, which provides quick access to central London and Kent, have been given a new lease of life. The scheme includes 132 homes and Deptford Market Yard, a quirky home for 14 retail/leisure operators. The lower half of Deptford High Street, where traditional pie-and- mash shops sit alongside nail bars and Vietnamese cafes, has recently benefited from a £2.1m makeover. KEY STATISTICS C&W Evolutionary Status: FLOURISHING C&W Location Ranking: 58 TfL travel zone: 2 Local authority: Lewisham Distance from central London: 4.5 miles south east Population: 310,000 (©GLA borough population projections 2018) How would you describe what is happening in Deptford? Deptford is changing rapidly, which is both good and bad. Having lived in the area for a while, I'm worried that if it carries on at this pace, it will start to lose some of the charm and that the old-timers and businesses that make the place special will eventually move on. On the other hand, we've had lots of new independent businesses move in, which means I rarely have to leave the area if I need something. Which five words best describe Deptford? 1. Colourful 2. Charming 3. Vibrant 4. Resilient 5. Community What are people who haven’t been to Deptford missing? It's got amazing character and quirkiness, and although gentrification is creeping in, it has certainly not lost its charm yet. The flea market on Wednesday's, Friday's and Saturday's – you can buy anything and everything, usually for a bargain. A great variety of pubs. My personal favourites are: The Dog and Bell (calm and nice beer), The Royal Albert (cosy, great food and footy), Villages (microbrewery) and The Birds Nest (music and burgers). Do you have a personal ‘hidden London’ location you’d like to share? It's not really a secret – but Telegraph Hill for free tennis and amazing views over London. Best location in London to shop for quirky gifts? Deptford Market...no question! Best location in London to eat? My current favourites are actually in Deptford. The Waiting Room - for vegetarian/vegan breakfasts and coffee and Hullabaloo - for amazing (and cheap) paneer curries. Otherwise I've had some great food in Peckham namely Pedlar and Artusi. The latter now has a sister restaurant in Deptford called Marcella which is yum. Best location in London for a night out with friends? I tend to stay in Deptford, but the rare times I head out further afield, it's usually to Peckham or Brixton. Best location in London for visiting with family/relatives? Greenwich – to have a look in the market and have a walk in the park. What is your favoured form of transport around the capital? Cycling or London Overground. Part of London you’d like to explore more and why? A friend lived in Harringay Green Lanes for a little while and I always liked it there – would love to explore it more. Libby Cutress LOCAL RESIDENT DEPTFORD MY LONDON Spotlight on 27 SPOTLIGHT ON DEPTFORD 26 CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD  | EMERGING LONDON