Goldsmiths drops Catford campus plan

Goldsmiths, University of London has abandoned plans to move some courses from Deptford to Catford in south-east London, with Lewisham Council expressing its "surprise and frustration" at the decision.

It was announced in January that the council's Old Town Hall in Catford would become a new campus for the university in what was described as a "landmark partnership agreement".

A council spokesperson said they had worked with Goldsmiths "in good faith" to prepare the building for students from September 2027, and had made "significant investment" into the site.

Goldsmiths said it would consolidate its courses in New Cross as it focused on "creating a greener, more connected campus environment".

The university said the decision aimed to "deliver the greatest long-term benefit".

"Bringing our community together on a single campus will create greater opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and student experience," a spokesperson said.

"We will continue to work closely with Lewisham Council to support growth, development, and prosperity across the borough."

Lewisham Council said the planned move had been important to "the people of Catford and our partners".

"We are surprised and frustrated by this decision," the council spokesperson said.

"Officers were working on plans for the move right up until we received the communication from Goldsmiths that they would not be proceeding."

The council said it would reconsider the long-term use of the Old Town Hall as part of its refreshed masterplan for Catford.

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