Residents are disappointed with the new look seating area at Hither Green. The original wooden canopy which was created during the pandemic as a communal space was demolished – apparently because it was unsafe – and after a long period when the area was closed off – has been reopened.
However residents are not very impressed. One said the new benches resembled coffins and the large planters look like industrial waste bins.
We understand that Lewisham Council was restricted by cost but it seems a shame that the spot – a popular meeting area for local people – has turned out to be less than attractive.
We are keen to hear what you think? Leave a comment below.
These look like surplus Project Rosetta Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) blocks. Whilst the road facing set of blocks/planters seem credible as HVM deterrence to boarder the site, the kerb set seem to be a hindrance. If that row was removed, local busineses could place circular table and chairs out which would improve the space
There are some good comments /suggestions above, paint or clad the planters would help. I do think the ugly brackets bolted to the blocks are a real mess and unnecessary, who is going to steal them! If these were “free” from Lewisham High Street, perhaps they could be upgraded when a budget allows.
The planters are reused from Lewisham
High Street hence looking completely out of place. Spoiler – when in the high street all the plants died in them as no one was responsible for watering and obviously black metal plant containers dry out quickly.
I honestly don’t think it’s that bad. Imagine the planters full of beautiful bright flowers I think it will look quite nice.! the main thing is there is somewhere to sit down
It’s like something from the DDR. It’s horrible and disgraceful that the Council should have left it in that state.
Tasteless. The way the coffins are arranged makes it impossible for nearby businesses to put out tables for customers to sit. It would have been far better to simply pave the area. This project clearly feels like it was too ambitious for whoever was in charge at the council. Hopefully, someone with better ideas can lobby for improvements to what is the only place on that street to sit and relax with friends.
It is quite disappointing. These types of public spaces will be around for decades and are well worth investing in (they should enhance the area, not detract from it). But rather just grumbling we should do something proactive to make it better. I know that FUSS are aging some local architects and designers on options and with a bit of Local Council lobbying and (if needed) some resident crowd funding I’m sure we could build something really attractive that sets off the square and supports the local businesses.
Shortsighted, badly executed, with zero consideration for the surrounding area and aesthetics of the neighbourhood. What a waste of time and public money. It would have been better to leave it fenced off for another year, and applied for additional funding from next years budget to do a better job. I imagine the company who installed it made a nice profit, and charged for ‘design’ services.
The (metal? Concrete?) blocks are soooo ugly – what are they even for? Seating? Or to stop vehicles driving onto the area? As are the enormous black planters – way too big.. even on a limited budget it could surely have been made to look a lot more attractive. Are those planters going to be planted up? It’s such a shame as there was an opportunity here to make something really attractive in that space. A combination of natural materials – wood, metal and planting would be more much more appealing.
I agree it is such a shame that no thought was given to the aesthetics of the area. The large planters look ready for graffiti and used as rubbish bins. Maybe a local artist could paint local scenes on the bins that may make them feel more local blend into the surroundings and avoid them being tagged by local gangs?
As a minimal cost solution I think the planters would look far better if painted to at least make them feel fresh and new. National rail are currently painting all of the new station stairs and ramps a light grey colour. Surely it wouldn’t cost a significant amount to paint them the same grey colour and have some tone consistency in the area. Similarly, the planters could be clad with treated wood – not very costly either. Overall, this gives the vibe that the council aren’t proud of the area or their role in improving it
I honestly thought it was some kind of apocalypse TV set when I first saw it. What a disaster. Would much prefer they were just removed and we were left with the road!
Why can’t we have a more inclusive approach where local community are involving indecision and might even wish to help raise funds to upgrade quality of products ..and highlight local skills .. use sustainably sourced wood such as from coppice etc
I don’t think it’s a very pretty space but at the same time I’m happy to have some seating there and I can see it’s being used. But could have been nicer and mature planting and seats with backs on them
If they were restricted by cost and had to reuse old planters, surely it wouldn’t have even expensive to repaint them. That would’ve at least looked a bit better.