Lewisham town centre makeover opens up two 'hidden' rivers linking to new homes and public spaces

Perhaps the best aspect of Lewisham’s town-centre makeover, its second in 20 years, is the opening up of two “hidden” rivers — the Ravensbourne and the quirkily named Quaggy.

Both waterways have benefited from environmental upgrades and “rewilding”, and now integrate with new homes and public spaces.

The Ravensbourne runs through upgraded Ladywell Fields, between Catford and Lewisham town centre, where it merges with a new park, Confluence Place, and several new apartment schemes including Centralis, where prices start at £379,950. Call Acorn New Homes on 020 8315 6996.

A Victorian flour mill alongside the Quaggy is a reminder of the industrial age when rivers and canals were the main transport arteries.

Refurbished, with its original wheel restored, and split into apartments, the handsome building looks a shade forlorn next to the town centre’s unloved concrete shopping mall, earmarked for demolition, but the heritage architecture is chiming with home buyers, particularly those who value Lewisham’s excellent rail connectivity.

Prices for the apartments start from £425,000. Call JLL on 020 8858 9986 for more information.