Forest Hill subway to be refurbished – at last!

The condition of the underpass in Forest Hill has long been a thorn in the sides of local residents. After what must be 10 years of pressure from both the Sydenham and Forest Hill Societies news, at last, from Lewisham Council that the total funds required for the refurbishment of the Forest Hill pedestrian subway have been safeguarded.

The improvements will include installation of new drainage channels to pathway and track bed, resurfacing of the footpath, cleaning, repairing and painting over the mural ready for fresh artwork, and cladding the walls and ceiling of the section under the tracks (the part currently painted white). The works will be carried out at the same time as the lighting is replaced under the Skanska PFI contract.

An extra £28,000 has been made available by Lewisham Council as part of monies set aside for improvements to the East London Line Extension to repair the treads of the steps,
and the handrails will replaced by DDA compliant grab rails at each end of the underpass.

In total over £150,000 will be spent on the subway starting on week commencing October 19 and ending December 22, finally bringing the subway up to the standard that residents in Forest Hill and Perry Vale and
visitors to the area deserve. It is expected that pedestrians will be able to use the underpass at all times during the refurbishment.