So, great news! The petition has now exceeded the 3,006 figure threshold specified in the Council’s Petitions Scheme. However, disappointingly, the Council has now indicated (contrary to previous advice) that it will not accept our petition for debate because it does not include any signatures!
Whilst this seems a rather flimsy excuse for rejecting our petition, all is not lost. The petition has put pressure on the Council at a time when it was already looking to exit the abortive development contract it entered with Guildmore in late 2017. All the signs suggest the Council may finally ‘bite the bullet’ on the contract at its Mayor & Cabinet meeting on 10/9/25, leaving it free thereafter to explore with the community other viable options for the future of the site.
In anticipation of this, the Action Group has arranged a public meeting which will take place at St.Mary’s Church (in the Church itself, not the nearby hall) at 7.30pm on 25/9/25. We hope you will be able to come along.
To: The Mayor of Lewisham and Local Councillors
Save Ladywell Playtower
This petition demands that the Mayor of Lewisham and local councillors:
1. explain clearly what action they will take over the next year to guarantee progress on the refurbishment and re-opening of the Playtower; and
2. consult fully, urgently and transparently with the local community about the future of the site.
Local people deserve better.
Why is this important?
Back in 2017 the Council selected developer Guildmore to restore and redevelop ‘The Playtower’, to provide housing and a local cinema. Seven years on, however, the building continues to deteriorate with the Guildmore scheme apparently stalled.
It’s the Council’s duty to lead decisively on this project and to put local people at the heart of the process, but it has failed to do this.
Local people have a right to expect better and want to see some progress over the next year!
A community petition has been launched which can be signed by anyone who lives, works or studies in the Borough of Lewisham.
Local people deserve better.
Local people deserve better.
