It’s all happening on Burnt Ash Road. Work to covert the old off-licence into a Morrisons’ Daily is in full swing. The team doing the work tell us the new shop is expected to open in three weeks time.
Meanwhile on the other side of the road, the conversion of the former Conran estate agents to become Marsh & Parsons is underway as well.
However it’s not as simple as an old-fashioned takeover. Conran was already in partnership with Marsh & Parsons. which in turn is now, actually, owned by Dexters.
Dexters already has an office down the road at the Lee Green Crossroads and claims to be London’s fastest growing estate agents with 180 offices.
It’s believed the bird was tempted by the sculpture because it sits in clearer, water where it’s easier to spot fish than from branches on the edge of the lake. The vibrant colours of the artwork may also be an attraction.
Vladimir Lalić said “The installation To Move, is to Bloom was designed with a biophilic approach and carefully planned in close collaboration with Lewisham Council’s Greenspace and Nature Conservation teams, Glendale Services, and local ecology advisors.
“Before its installation, the environmental impact was assessed with attention to waterfowl activity, aquatic habitat health, and seasonal biodiversity within the Manor House Gardens lake.”
An Ecology Advisor at Creekside Discovery Centre (Deptford) added “The sculpture poses no harm to ducks or other wildlife in the park. Its structure is static and clearly visible above the waterline, allowing birds to safely navigate around it. The open water surface remains unobstructed for landing and feeding, and there are no wires, nets, or moving parts that could cause entanglement.
“The varying heights of the stainless-steel rods actually provide resting and observation points for birds such as mallards, coots, moorhens, and Canada geese. Kingfishers and other small birds have already been seen perching on the upper forms.
“The rods and forms mimic the vertical lines of reeds and branches, introducing structure without creating barriers or ‘pockets’ that might disrupt flight or movement. Positioned near the lake’s centre, the sculpture maintains open approach routes for waterfowl from every direction. The reflective colours subtly echo natural tones, adding visual interest and diversity without causing stress or disturbance to wildlife.”
Visitors to the Park cafe (Pistachios) in Manor House Gardens could find themselves sitting at an artwork, the latest installation from Art Voyage Biennial.
“La Mesa Del Pueblo” (2025) (The People’s Table) is a reimagined textile tabletop by Ryan Hawaii . It was formally unveiled at an event in the Gardens on Sunday.
Pictures by David Ford
The piece celebrates Lewisham’s cultural lifeblood, weaving together local heroes, small businesses, and migrant community flags.
Ryan Hawaii says it is based on the flags of his own heritage, Nigeria and Cuba. It is intended for and can be used by cafe customers for their drinks and food like a conventional table
