Restoration Partner Search process

Lewisham Council is launching a new Restoration Partner Search to bring the Grade II listed Ladywell Playtower back to life and secure its future for generations to come.

This process follows Lewisham Council ending a previous agreement established before the COVID pandemic which did not make the progress we expected. A new partner is now sought with a process that will run from December 2025 to late 2026, with us aiming to identify a committed partner with a viable proposal for the building’s renewal and reuse.

Community input to guide process

Community input will be central throughout. Residents have been invited to share ideas for the building’s future use initially with a public consultation in late 2026. These insights are key to making sure the plans reflect local aspirations and respect the building’s historic value.

The selection process will follow two stages:

Stage one: community feedback survey, expressions of interest and shortlisting (round 1)

Community feedback survey

During this first stage, the community was invited to share ideas for the future use of the space by completing the initial community feedback survey,

These anonymous findings were shared with potential partners to help guide them in shaping a viable plan that reflects the community's aspirations for this historic building.

Expression of interest process for potential partners

The Council invited potential partners to complete an expression of interest process for the development and reuse of Ladywell Playtower. Expressions of interest outlined a vision that balances development feasibility with community priorities.

Shortlisting (round 1)

In the first round of shortlisting, the Council identified those best suited to progress to the next bidding round and feedback to successful potential partners.

Stage two: method statement submission and bidder selection (round 2)

Method statements and further details

The Council collected in-depth method statements and details from shortlisted partners, including:

proposed works schedule and detailed delivery strategy
timescales, funding options
financial records
long term business plan
Shortlisting (round 2)

Following this process, a second round shortlisting exercise took place, evaluating the remaining submissions.

Public consultation on shortlisted proposals

From 5 October until 16 November, the Council is hosting a public consultation on the shortlisted proposals.

Mayor and Cabinet review

A report to Mayor and Cabinet will be reviewed later in 2026, and will include feedback on the stage two shortlisted proposals and community feedback findings from earlier in 2026.

Indicative timeline