Situated in the centre of the town surrounding Lewisham’s Grade II listed Clock Tower, the market is one of the last in London operating seven days a week and is beloved by the community. The new structures unify the commercial and public offering of the site, complement the existing business uses, and turn it into a local destination able to accommodate a range of events and night-time activities.

The 26m long market house is formed of nine red sandstone stone columns supporting a pitched folded steel roof, while the canopies are fashioned from a 2.5mm curved steel sheet that spans 9.8m between a stainless-steel hollow section frame. The architectural vision was to offer tactile, natural materials at ground level, while referencing the area’s industrial past through the use of galvanised and stainless steel. With the entire structure exposed and several of the structural parts acting as an integrated guttering system, a high degree of architectural coordination was required.

Glazed openings in the canopies and on both sides of the market house ensure sufficient natural light levels during the day, while efficient LED lighting supplements the hub after the sun sets.

The design creates a vibrant, community focused public space that pays respects to Lewisham’s setting and historic marketplace, serving as a destination for the community and a driver for social interaction on a day-to-day basis.