Downham is a neighbourhood situated between the borough of Lewisham and the borough of Bromley.
Once upon a time, Barclays and Natwest were the two main banks located in Downham serving the local residents. Over time, the area has undergone transition with the addition of more grocery stores including Tesco Express, Iceland, Co-op and a Marks and Spencer (situated with a BP petrol station). The range of stores is beneficial in supporting the local residents of Downham with their everyday essentials.
Before 1920, Downham was an area with no properties insight. Homes were introduced and developed by the London County Council in 1924 and subsequently contracted out to Holland and Cubitt. After World War I, boroughs in south-east London recognised the need for additional housing for London residents that would relieve the pressure of the overcrowding population which formed Downham.
Downham Leisure Centre is a major part of the community. The leisure centre opened in 2007 providing a great incentive for locals to remain fit and active. The leisure centre includes a cosy café, NHS and library services, a 6-lane swimming pool with swimming lessons for those looking to improve their technique and a gym with 70+ group exercises being hosted per week. The leisure centre also hosts children activities which include trampolining, roller skating, soft play, football, gymnastics and many more. The leisure centre also hosts private birthday parties.
This scheme took up a major part of the Downham Fields; the centre was the cornerstone of a government-backed initiative to restore vibrance to the Downham area. Some of the funds for the £16 million project came from the sale of two council-owned depots to Wates Homes for the construction of residential affordable housing.
Interesting facts about Downham
Downham Leisure Centre opened in 2007.
The Downham Tavern previously held a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records as Britain’s’ largest pub in the 1930s, popularly known for accommodating up to 1,000 customers.
Downham was named in honour of Lord Downham who was chairman of the London County Council between 1919-20.
Attractions in Downham
Located a stone throw from Downham is London’s best well-kept secret, Beckenham Place Park, which is the largest green space in the London Borough of Lewisham offering 96 hectares of space. The beautiful Palladian-style mansion is the reason why the park carries the name. The park offers the Green Chain Walk which is a linked system of open spaces between the River Thames and Crystal Palace Park in London. You also have the Capital Ring which is a strategic walking route that encircles inner and central London.
Beckenham Place Park contains a number of great facilities including The Sensory and Ornamental Gardens (Beckenham Hill entrances), picnic and meadow areas, ancient woodland, historic buildings, visitor centres and many more. The park has recently undergone a £6.8 million regeneration in 2019, which saw the closure of the public golf course and opening of a wild swimming lake and the exciting BMX track which encourages more kids to head over to the park.
Downham Fields, also known as Durham Hill, is a 20-acre park. It is a wonderful open space, on a steep hillside, with lovely trees and a great view of Croydon, Crystal Palace, London and Sydenham.
The Downham Tavern is the place for drinks, with a single bar that has recently undergone refurbishment; it offers great food and entertainment and is very popular amongst the locals in the area.
Major developments in Downham
There are currently no developments in the area of Downham, but in the nearby neighbourhood, Grove Park, there is The Qube development; this project has provided one and two-bedroom apartments and a three-bedroom house. The development is in close proximity to Grove Park station, which gives its residents easy access to transport.
Education in Downham
Downham offers Rangefield Primary School, Good Sheperd Catholic Primary School and the “outstanding” Downderry Primary School. Bonus Pastor Catholic College is a mixed secondary school in the area rated “outstanding” by Ofsted which is very popular amongst locals. Located on Bromley Road, residents have the option of the D&B Performing Arts School which are for those looking to embark on a career in performing arts. For more information on the performance of these schools, please visit gov.uk.
Places of worship in Downham
For those seeking places of worship, locals have various options including the Jubliee International Church, St Luke’s, St Barnabas, Downham Baptist and an Islam-practicing mosque known as Tahir, located on Verdant Lane.
Photos of Downham
Who is this area good for?
Source the Area think this area is a particularly good fit for first time buyers.
Partner estate agent in Downham
Average property prices in Downham
Transport
National Rail
Nearby stations at Grove Park – 15 mins to London Bridge, and Beckenham Hill – 30 mins to London Blackfriars
Bus
124 to Catford/Eltham
136 to Grove Park/Elephant & Castle
181 to Grove Park/Lewisham
N136 to Oxford Circus/Chislehurst
Road
Easy access to the South Circular Road (A205), and then on to the A2 and A20 for Canterbury/Dover and Folkestone respectively
Best roads in Downham
Crime in Downham
Downham’s most commonly reported crimes include harassment, violence and vandalism. There are 7 crimes a month per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the borough average of 8. For more information and crime prevention advice, please visit Met Police.