Goldsmiths University is set to expand its horizons with a new campus in Catford, a move that promises to bring a creative revolution to the area. This development comes as a result of a groundbreaking partnership with Lewisham Council, which will see the university sign a 10-year lease on the Old Town Hall building. The university's presence in Catford is expected to bring a surge of energy, business, and visitors to the town center, potentially transforming it into a hub of creativity and learning. This initiative is a testament to the power of long-term partnerships, as Mayor of Lewisham Brenda Dacres OBE emphasizes.
The new campus will be a significant step in Goldsmiths' journey, which began in 1891 as a pioneer in the arts, design, and creative disciplines. With over 600 students, the university aims to contribute to and benefit from the vibrant community of Catford. Professor David Oswell, Vice-Chancellor (Interim) of Goldsmiths, expressed the university's pride in calling Lewisham home and highlighted the importance of extending their civic commitment in their 120th year.
The Old Town Hall, currently undergoing preparations, will become a hub for the university's activities, with services moving to alternative locations. This move is expected to bring more people to the town center, boost local businesses, and strengthen the high street economically and socially, as Cllr James-J Walsh, Lewisham Council’s Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration and Planning, points out. The agreement is set to be formally approved by the Council’s Mayor and Cabinet on January 21, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of Catford.