Background
Coulgate Street, located at the gateway to Brockley Station, was once a narrow, traffic-heavy corridor dominated by vehicles. The street acted as a bottleneck, creating safety concerns, poor air quality, and limited space for pedestrians.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a temporary traffic closure was introduced to support social distancing. This intervention sparked a wider conversation about the future of the street. With strong community backing, Lewisham Council transformed the temporary measure into a permanent scheme, reflecting a growing commitment to people-first urban design.
The vision was clear: to create a vibrant, green, and inclusive space that not only prioritises pedestrians and cyclists but also integrates sustainable infrastructure and strengthens the local economy.
Process
The project was developed through three interconnected strands: design innovation, community engagement, and environmental integration.
1. Innovative infrastructure and SuDS integration
The scheme incorporated Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to address climate resilience and urban greening. Key features included:
- Rain gardens and permeable paving to reduce runoff and filter pollutants.
- Biodiverse planting beds supporting pollinators and improving air quality.
- Tree pits with sub-surface attenuation to manage peak rainfall.
- Integrated seating and green buffers serving dual purposes as drainage features and public amenities.
These elements were guided by Lewisham’s SuDS Design & Evaluation Guide, ensuring the scheme met both environmental and community needs.
2. Community engagement
Extensive engagement with residents, businesses, and local groups was central to shaping the scheme. Workshops and consultations identified priorities such as safety, greenery, and social spaces.
Local businesses actively supported the transformation, with Brockley’s Rock (a local fish and chip shop) winning a Community Engagement Award for its role in maintaining and animating the space. This process fostered ownership and pride, turning Coulgate Street into a shared achievement.
3. Integration with wider transport networks
As the main approach to Brockley Station, Coulgate Street was redesigned to support walking, cycling, and public transport. The scheme reinforced last-mile connectivity, encouraging modal shift and aligning with Lewisham’s broader transport and climate strategies.
Outcomes
Environmental benefits
- Reduced emissions through lower car use and reduced idling.
- Improved air quality via increased greenery.
- Enhanced biodiversity with native and pollinator-friendly planting.
- Flood mitigation achieved through SuDS features.
Health and wellbeing
- A calmer, greener environment encourages walking, cycling, and physical activity.
- Seating areas and planting provide places for rest, social interaction, and mental wellbeing.
- The street now supports stronger community cohesion and helps reduce social isolation.
Social and economic impacts
- Coulgate Street has become a destination in its own right, boosting cafés, independent shops, and award-winning businesses.
- The transformation has strengthened the identity of Brockley, creating a welcoming gateway to the neighbourhood.
Long-term behavioural change
- By making active travel safer and more enjoyable, the scheme has helped embed lasting changes in travel behaviour.
- The visible success of Coulgate Street has inspired similar people-first interventions across Lewisham, setting a precedent for future design.
Conclusion
Coulgate Street demonstrates how local authorities can deliver projects that transcend infrastructure. By combining sustainable drainage, community co-design, and transport integration, the scheme has created a space that delivers safety, sustainability, health, and economic vitality.
What was once a congested traffic corridor is now a symbol of people-first urban design, a blueprint for how streets can serve people, place, and the environment.
Speak to our team: Enquiries – Marston Holdings
