Room for Rivers, A Place for People sets out a vision for bringing together the rivers and communities of Lewisham Town Centre together through a series of place strategies and priority projects.

Periscope was appointed to deliver an intensive programme of evidence based strategic design and targeted co-creation activities, during which we piloted innovative tactics to engage marginalised groups and individuals. The work is the first step of the Greater London Authority’s (GLA) Civic Partnership Programme (CPP) that aims diversify authorship and increase the quantum of public realm in London while preparing the city for climate change.

Lewisham Town Centre experiences many challenges, including river and surface water flooding, congestion and poor air pollution, as well as deficiencies in park and local play space quantum and quality. In a borough where 73% of the school age population are from a Black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds while a quarter of the population is under the age of 19 the negative effects of the above environmental conditions often fall on some of the most marginalised and vulnerable members of the community.⁠

The Place Strategy proposes to harness the rivers and streets as a network of continuous ecological, active travel and recreational routes, transform grey spaces to green, enhancing existing green spaces and introducing new sites for play, rest and biodiversity where possible. The Vision and Strategy acknowledges this as a multi-generational endeavour that must be the product of many hands from all corners of the community.

To this end, Periscope collaborated with two local community groups, Lewisham Speaking Up, and Lewisham Youth Theatre, through a Soundwalk and a Dramawalk. These workshops offered points of access for young people and people with learning disabilities enabling them to engage with the often complex topics in way that is safe, empowering and mutually beneficial.

The vision was the central element of Lewisham’s Council’s CPP funding application to GLA in spring 2024. In August 2024 the project was awarded £2.46m (to be matched by Lewisham Council) one of only five boroughs in London to secure funding.