← Thomas Lane Yard← Thomas Lane Yard

Thomas Lane Yard, located at the heart of Catford town centre, is a new mixed-use development commissioned by the London Borough of Lewisham. The site, currently home to a car park and light industrial building, will transform into a vibrant local hub with affordable housing, community space, shops, and workspaces, providing new opportunities for residents, start-ups, and local businesses. 

A key objective of the development is to improve public safety and revitalise this "backland" area. The landscaping aims to foster biodiversity and enhance community well-being by creating a welcoming outdoor space.

The project will provide 100% affordable housing, including over 30% at social rent, with 39 affordable rent units and 74 intermediate housing units. Two buildings—Nelgarde House (8 storeys) and Doggett House (12 storeys)—will contribute 113 new homes to Lewisham’s housing stock.

The design celebrates "Catfordness," drawing inspiration from historic streetscapes. Ground-floor entrances are designed to evoke historic shop fronts, featuring recessed entryways that create moments of shelter and connection. The buildings will have sculpted brick forms, with brick detailing on the lower floors and red windows and balconies. Variations in brick bond and texture will highlight changing light conditions along the faceted façades, creating a dynamic, contemporary yet contextual appearance. 

The material palette is chosen to create harmony between modern and historic elements in Catford. The colour and texture of the brick enhance the tactile and visual experience of the building. The recesses, though subtle in appearance, serve as critical moments of human scale interaction, blending comfort, practicality, and design aesthetics.