Our story so far...

DEPTFORD IS... REPRESENTING

This is where it all started, a spontaneous meeting of local people with one idea: to seize the long-awaited opportunity of redevelopment at Convoys Wharf, to bring something of real value to everyone. We all believed that together we could achieve something special, a positive contribution to our city - we just weren't sure yet what it was going to be...

The Albany theatre, Deptford. The very first meeting of what became 'Deptford Is...' the YIMBY community group - Yes in my backyard!

We knew it had to spring from the strong identity of the area itself - and this wasn't hard to find as the site of Convoys Wharf has an incredibly rich history: not only the ancient heart of Deptford as the Royal Dockyard, but also holding international significance as a site of horticultural innovation. If the proposed development could imbibe the essence of this living culture, Convoys Wharf would be a truly exciting place.

An aerial view of the The King's yard at Deptford and (left) Sayes Court
The 'Royal George' at Deptford showing the launch of the 'Cambridge', J, Cleverley. National Maritime Museum, Caird Collection.

We set about sharing the story of Sayes Court, working with nearby schools and community groups to re-connect the local significance of these half-remembered truths. What we found was striking: the amount of pride expressed in being part of a place where incredible things have always happened.

The Sayes Court Project presenting to years 4, 5 and 6 and Deptford Park School
(Left) Pupils from the Francis Drake Primary School, Deptford showing off their 'site specific' artwork at Sayes Court Park. (Right) The Sayes Court team lead a heritage tour at Sayes Court.

"THIS IS A PART OF OUR HERITAGE TOO IMPORTANT TO MISS"


DAME JOAN RUDDOCK , MP FOR DEPTFORD 1987 to 2015

GROWING INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT

Many meetings, exhibitions and a study day followed, and the idea of what a future Sayes Court could be started to take shape - the excitement grew as support rolled in from the National Trust, Eden Project, Gardens Trust, World Monuments Fund and many more. We were invited to meet Farrell's, the team masterplanning Convoys Wharf, to explain the importance of Sayes Court and how we envisaged it could help shape the development. But with the value of London building land being what it is, we needed a clear proposal to put forward if we were going to persuade the developer to preserve a substantial chunk of it as open space...

(top) The Sayes Court Team successfully lobbied the World Monuments Fund to place Sayes Court on their 2014 At Risk Register. (above) 'Forever, for everyone'. The motto of the National Trust, whose origins are found at Sayes Court.

"SAYES COURT IS A CHANCE TO DO SOMETHING UNIQUE, EXCITING AND URGENTLY NEEDED"

TIM SMIT, CO-FOUNDER EDEN PROJECT

THE BIG IDEA

Firstly, Sayes Court had to bring real opportunities for local people, as well as spreading its benefits further afield. With the support of Harvard University and the National Trust, we devised an outline of a future Sayes Court which would seize the spirit of its remarkable history and apply it to the very 21st Century issues affecting our cities - climate change, health, access to nature.

Encompassing education and training as well as a cultural centre and flagship for innovation in urban horticulture and landscape, it was clear we needed a building as well! With the support of Lewisham Council we commissioned David Kohn Architects to draw up a report.

Concept sketch of Sayes Court Project by David Kohn Architects

SAYES COURT SET TO RISE AGAIN

The day of the planning decision for Convoys Wharf finally came, and we went up to City Hall to make our representations and answer the Mayor of London's questions about the project, supported by Dame Joan Ruddock MP, National Trust and London Borough of Lewisham.

After a tense 15 minutes the Mayor returned, and granted his consent for the scheme to go ahead - with the major condition that Sayes Court must be given the space it needs to thrive!

Concept sketch of Sayes Court Project by David Kohn Architects

""WE BELIEVE THAT A NEW GARDEN AND BUILDING HAS GREAT POTENTIAL TO BECOME A CONTINUATION OF THE ASPIRATIONS AND MOTIVATIONS OF [THE NATIONAL TRUST'S] FOUNDERS... A RESOURCE FOR LONDON WITH FACILITIES FOR LEARNING, INNOVATION AND JOINT WORKING.""

NIC DURSTON, NATIONAL TRUST