A guide to living in Borough of Lewisham

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

1. Excellent Transport Links • Lewisham Station is a major hub with DLR, National Rail, and nearby access to the Overground. You can get to Central London (e.g. London Bridge, Cannon Street, Charing Cross) in under 20 minutes. • Bus services are frequent and well-connected. 2. Green Spaces • Home to lovely parks like Hilly Fields, Ladywell Fields, and Blackheath, providing a lot of outdoor space for walking, running, and relaxing. • Greenwich Park and Horniman Gardens are also nearby. 3. Diversity and Community Spirit • Lewisham is known for being a diverse and multicultural area, with a strong sense of community and frequent local events. • A wide variety of shops, restaurants, and markets reflect its diversity. 4. Affordable (for London) • Property prices and rents are generally more affordable than many parts of London, especially zones 1 and 2. • There’s a mix of housing types, including Victorian terraces, new builds, and council estates. 5. Regeneration and Development • Ongoing regeneration projects, particularly around Lewisham town centre, are bringing in new housing, retail, and leisure options. • This is gradually modernising the area and improving facilities. ⸻ ❌ Bad Aspects of Living in Lewisham 1. Crime and Safety Concerns • While many areas are safe, crime rates in parts of Lewisham are higher than average for London. • Some residents express concerns about antisocial behaviour or petty crime, especially at night. 2. Overcrowding and Congestion • Public transport, especially during peak hours, can be very crowded. • Road congestion is also an issue in some parts. 3. Pockets of Deprivation • Some parts of Lewisham still experience economic deprivation, which can impact public services and the general feel of those areas. • The contrast between regenerated and less-developed areas can be stark. 4. Air Quality • Like many parts of London, air pollution can be a concern, especially along major roads. 5. Limited Nightlife and Entertainment Options • While Lewisham has pubs, restaurants, and a cinema, it’s not known for vibrant nightlife. Residents often travel to nearby areas like Peckham, New Cross, or Central London for more variety.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Rarely do they generally respond, it is usually the concierge team who take it upon themselves to push for works to be complete in regards to maintenance issues or problems in the building

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

The constant Issues with maintenance and overbearing contractor visits. And no parking for the building unless you have valid proof of disability

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

There a large amount of good points and only a few bad ones of the local area. To start there are numerous medium to large supermarkets within a 5 mins walk which is very useful. A few good restaurants within a variety of different cuisines. The location is fantastic for traveling into central next to the railway station, dlr and buses. Slight bad aspects include noisy traffic and pedestrians from time to time and limited parking . Especially when moving in and out of the apartments.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Extremely efficient in replying to any queries or questions. Whether by email or phone. Tyrra and Jonathan have been so friendly and feel looked after.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Very sound proof, didn’t hear neighbours at all! Few parking spaces for moving in and out.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

I chose Bale & Anchor because of it's proximity to travel links and other locations. Travelling to and from central London is quick and easy and the choice of places to visit as a result for days and evenings out is wider for me now. Bin collections are run through the building services, and seem efficient as far as I can tell. Lewisham is being developed but the shopping centre has a really good mix of outlets and mix of cultures and the market is varied and vibrant. I don't have a car but parking might be an issue if you do, as the car park for the building is small scale I believe. SE London has always had it's ups and downs and there is, I would say no more anti-social behaviour here than anywhere else in London or indeed the UK.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Very well thus far. I am very honest in my feedback with them and have flagged any questions or issues as soon as I have encountered them. Luke and Nicole are very responsive and always incredibly helpful and professional. A pleasure to chat to.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Get to know the team. I moved in at a time when there were only about 15 residents here so it was perhaps less busy, but 9 months down the line I still ask the name of anyone new on FOH because we are all part of the community here. It seems a little thing perhaps but it really does help.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Great connections via trains/DLR and close to large Tesco which is very convenient. Good range of local shops but not many restaurants or pubs nearby. Close to Greenwich and Blackheath which are both lovely.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

We have had two maintenance issues which we have raised. The first took several months to be dealt with (I believe an external contractor was required), but the next was dealt with very quickly by the team.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

The windows can be temperamental, so I would have made sure to learn exactly how to operate them when moving in.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

I love Lewisham and it’s very close to station so it’s easy for me to commute places. Not much parking and some anti social behaviour but that’s the charm of lewisham

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Mostly yes. They send people over when we need something (I.e Junior who is amazing)

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

There are a few problems which we don’t get told and some things are broken such as lifts which is annoying