Goldsmiths University cancels Catford campus expansion

Goldsmiths University has scrapped plans to relocate approximately 600 fine art and design students to the former Catford Town Hall. The move, originally announced in January, was intended to take place in summer 2027 as part of 'Project Catford' to help revitalize the town centre.

Lewisham Council expressed frustration over the decision, stating they had worked in good faith for a year to prepare the building. Instead of the Catford site, the university intends to move the affected courses to its main campus in New Cross.

The cancellation follows significant financial difficulties at Goldsmiths, which is currently implementing a £22 million budget cut. The institution is undergoing its third major restructuring and redundancy program in five years due to a severe deficit and declining student numbers. These financial pressures have led to the longest strike in UK higher education history, with academic staff walking out in June to protest potential job losses.