Resident population
Lewisham had 300,553 residents at the 2021 Census, up from 275,885 in 2011, forming a large customer base and workforce in Inner South East London.
Population at the 2021 Census
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Explore key facts covering the borough’s population, transport links, business areas, geographical area, landmarks and borough identity.
Lewisham had 300,553 residents at the 2021 Census, up from 275,885 in 2011, forming a large customer base and workforce in Inner South East London.
Population at the 2021 CensusLewisham station is the junction of the Dartford and Hayes lines and the southern DLR terminus, with New Cross and New Cross Gate stations and Overground stations at Brockley, Honor Oak Park, Forest Hill and Sydenham connecting local businesses with Central London.
Rail, DLR and Overground connectedLewisham is the principal town centre and Catford is home to the council headquarters, with Deptford, New Cross, Blackheath, Forest Hill, Sydenham, Brockley, Honor Oak Park and Lee among the other local districts.
Key business locations across the boroughLewisham is an Inner London borough in south-east London, bordering Greenwich, Bromley and Southwark, with a short Thames frontage and the Ravensbourne, Pool and Quaggy rivers running through it.
Approximately 35 square kilometresThe Prime Meridian crosses the borough, which is home to the Horniman Museum, Goldsmiths, All Saints Church in Blackheath, The Den and Crystal Palace Park on its southern border.
Culture, heritage and sportThe London Borough of Lewisham was created on 1 April 1965 under the London Government Act 1963, merging the former metropolitan boroughs of Lewisham and Deptford.
Inner London borough in South East London
The London Borough of Lewisham is an Inner London borough in south-east London, home to around 300,000 residents. Created in 1965 from the former boroughs of Lewisham and Deptford, it brings together Lewisham and Catford with Deptford, New Cross, Blackheath, Forest Hill and Sydenham, giving the borough a mix of busy town centres, creative communities, historic landmarks and well-connected local high streets.
For customers, Lewisham offers busy shopping areas, independent retailers, restaurants, cafés, healthcare providers, property specialists and professional services across its main business areas. For businesses, the borough provides access to a large local population, visitors drawn by the Horniman Museum, Blackheath and Crystal Palace Park, and DLR, Overground and rail connections into Central London and beyond.
Lewisham combines DLR, Overground and rail connectivity, creative and cultural communities, busy town centres, historic landmarks, a large local customer base and popular green spaces, creating opportunities for businesses of different sizes and sectors.
Lewisham station, the junction of the Dartford and Hayes lines and the southern DLR terminus, together with New Cross, New Cross Gate and Overground stations at Brockley, Honor Oak Park, Forest Hill and Sydenham, gives businesses convenient access to Central London and the wider region.
The Horniman Museum, Blackheath, Crystal Palace Park and The Den, home of Millwall FC, draw visitors from across London, supporting demand for hospitality, retail, catering and local services.
Lewisham is the principal town centre and Catford is home to the council headquarters, with Deptford, New Cross, Forest Hill, Sydenham, Brockley and Blackheath offering further local high streets close to customers.
Goldsmiths, University of London, the Horniman Museum, the Citibank Tower in Lewisham and the borough’s football clubs anchor local activity and bring daily footfall that supports restaurants, cafés and service providers.
All Saints Church in Blackheath, the Prime Meridian, Crystal Palace Park, Folkestone Gardens and the Waterlink Way along the Ravensbourne give businesses, residents and visitors access to heritage and green space alongside busy town centres.
With 300,553 residents at the 2021 Census, up from 275,885 in 2011, across 13.6 square miles of Inner South East London, plus visitors and commuters, Lewisham offers businesses a large and growing local market.
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Lewisham combines busy town centres, creative communities, DLR, Overground and rail connectivity, historic landmarks and popular green spaces, with access to employment across retail, education, hospitality, healthcare, local government, offices and professional services.
Lewisham offers a varied mix of housing, from period terraces and converted houses to modern developments and town centre flats. Residential areas include Lewisham, Catford, Deptford, New Cross, Brockley, Blackheath, Forest Hill, Sydenham, Honor Oak Park and Lee.
Terraces and town centre flatsHousing, retail and commercial costs can vary across the borough, from the busy town centres of Lewisham, Catford and Deptford to quieter residential neighbourhoods, so residents and businesses should compare costs carefully when choosing a location.
Costs vary by areaResidents, workers and visitors benefit from Lewisham, New Cross and New Cross Gate stations and Overground stations at Brockley, Honor Oak Park, Forest Hill and Sydenham, plus DLR stations at Lewisham, Elverson Road and Deptford Bridge, alongside extensive bus routes. There are no Underground stations in the borough.
DLR, Overground and railCrystal Palace Park, Folkestone Gardens and the Waterlink Way along the Ravensbourne are among the borough’s best-known open spaces, alongside the River Thames and Deptford Creek, with room for exercise, recreation, family activities and community events.
Parks and waterwaysLewisham has a wide range of schools, colleges and training providers serving its large resident population, and is home to Goldsmiths, University of London. Education is also an important local employer and a source of skills and talent for businesses across Deptford, New Cross and the wider borough.
Schools, colleges and skillsEmployment spans retail on the borough’s high streets, education at Goldsmiths and local schools, local government with the council headquarters in Catford, hospitality and leisure, healthcare, offices and a wide range of local professional and personal services.
Diverse employment opportunitiesLocal consideration: Lewisham combines busy town centres, creative communities, historic landmarks and green space beside the Thames. Property costs, transport access, customer footfall and the character of local business areas can vary between Lewisham, Catford, Deptford, New Cross and other parts of the borough.
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Explore common questions about living, working and doing business in the London Borough of Lewisham.
Lewisham is an Inner London borough in south-east London with around 300,000 residents, known for Deptford, Blackheath, the Horniman Museum, Goldsmiths, University of London, The Den and the Prime Meridian, which crosses the borough.
Lewisham is the borough’s principal town centre and Catford is home to the council headquarters, with Deptford, New Cross, Blackheath, Forest Hill, Sydenham, Brockley, Honor Oak Park and Lee among the other main local areas, along with parades and high streets across the borough.
Lewisham, Catford and Deptford are the main town centres for shopping and everyday services, while Blackheath, Forest Hill and Sydenham have their own local high streets. The Horniman Museum in Forest Hill, Crystal Palace Park on the southern border and The Den, home of Millwall FC, add leisure and entertainment.
Lewisham supports businesses across retail, hospitality and leisure, education, healthcare, property, creative industries, professional services, offices, and a wide range of local professional and personal services.
Yes. Lewisham station is the junction of the Dartford and Hayes lines and the southern terminus of the DLR, with DLR stations also at Elverson Road and Deptford Bridge. New Cross and New Cross Gate stations and Overground stations at Brockley, Honor Oak Park, Forest Hill and Sydenham connect the borough with Central London. There are no Underground stations, but local bus routes and the A205 South Circular provide further links.
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