[From the industry] Lewisham Shopping Centre enters Fortnite: Landsec’s creative approach to public consultation – MCV/DEVELOP

In a pioneering move for public consultation, Lewisham Shopping Centre will this weekend (11^th May, 10am-5pm and 12^th May, 11am-4pm) be transformed into the world of Fortnite, as part of a ground-breaking initiative to engage with the community in Lewisham.

As part of Landsec’s ongoing commitment to inclusive and innovative public consultation, the owner of Lewisham Shopping Centre has partnered with BAFTA-winning immersive games studio PRELOADED to bring its future plans for the area to life within the digital realm of Fortnite.

The playable game will be launched this weekend inside the centre in the main atrium in partnership with the E-sports Youth Club, a community interest not-for-profit who will be hosting the session. This will run alongside more detailed plans being shown at a dedicated exhibition in No.25. The initiative comes as Landsec seeks further public feedback on its updated plans for a new centre for Lewisham and marks a significant step forward in reimagining the traditional methods of public consultation.

Jon Watson, Development Director for LandsecU+I, said: “We are so excited to speak to the public again and get their thoughts on this latest masterplan. We know the enormous responsibility we have to get this right, and the only way to do that is to work with local people of all ages and background to come together to help transform this integral part of Lewisham.

“By utilising the immersive and interactive world of Fortnite, we’re hoping to encourage people to engage with these plans in a way that is both accessible and exciting.”

The innovative collaboration marks a significant milestone in Landsec’s extensive six-month engagement programme, aimed at ensuring active participation from the local community and making sure young people have their say on plans for the future of Lewisham Shopping Centre. The fully playable, virtual world will allow visitors to explore and experience key aspects of the latest designs in a fast-paced, exciting, and family-friendly version of the game.

The public exhibition will take place at No.25 in Lewisham Shopping Centre, next to XO Cycles, from 10am – 5pm on Saturday 11 May and 11am – 4pm on Sunday 12 May. Thereafter it will be open at regular intervals for drop-ins, and dedicated events with community groups. Members of the design team will be on hand to answer any questions and talk visitors through several models to help explain the proposed new centre.

To be the first to hear about opportunities to shape the new centre for Lewisham, people can visit the website www.morethanaplace.com or follow Lewisham Shopping Centre across social media. LandsecU+I is targeting the submission of a planning application later this year.