News & Updates

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Owner Tip — Selling Your Flat

Watch Out for Galliard's Indemnity Clause on Sale

A departing MWE owner has flagged that Galliard require outgoing owners to indemnify them against breaches by the buyer. In practice, this means you could be held liable if your buyer later fails to pay rent or service charges — even after you've sold.

The owner who raised this successfully had the clause removed as a “gesture of goodwill” after protesting. If you are selling, check the transfer documentation carefully and challenge this clause with your solicitor.

Shared by a long-standing MWE owner (7+ years) upon completing their sale — March 2026. This is not legal advice. Always consult your solicitor.

SE8 & Surrounding Area

Local News & Events

What's happening in and around Deptford, Surrey Quays, and Canada Water — the things that affect life at Marine Wharf East.

Last updated: 20 February 2026

Leasehold Law Update

Draft Commonhold & Leasehold Reform Bill Published

The government published a draft bill on 27 January 2026 proposing to cap ground rents at £250/year (dropping to zero after 40 years), ban new leasehold flats, and make commonhold the default tenure. The RTM non-residential limit was already raised from 25% to 50% in March 2025. Public consultation closes 24 April 2026.

This directly supports our Right to Manage campaign. The expanded RTM rules and upcoming ground rent cap are significant wins for leaseholders.

Read more at HomeOwners Alliance
TransportFebruary 2026

Surrey Quays Station Upgrade — Opening Summer 2026

Major accessibility and capacity improvements at Surrey Quays station on the London Overground are on track for summer 2026 completion.

  • A new station entrance and step-free access with lifts will make the station accessible for everyone.
  • Train frequency will increase to 18 trains per hour between Surrey Quays and Dalston Junction from late 2026.
  • The upgrade is part of wider improvements to the Windrush line, helping unlock 14,000 new homes in the area.
  • Future proposals include a new station called Surrey Canal between Surrey Quays and Queens Road Peckham to serve the New Bermondsey development.

Surrey Quays is the nearest Overground station to Marine Wharf East. The upgrade will directly benefit our residents.

IanVisits
DevelopmentJanuary 2026

Canada Water Masterplan — Phase 1 Complete, New Facilities Open

The £4 billion Canada Water regeneration is now delivering visible results, with the new leisure centre open and more retail and workspace arriving.

  • Phase 1 is complete: 265 homes (87 affordable), a new leisure centre, 330,000 sq ft of workspace, and restored Canada Water Dock.
  • The new Canada Water Leisure Centre is now open to residents.
  • Corner Corner has brought new food and cultural offerings to the area, along with improved dockside public space.
  • The 35-storey Founding building (Plot A1) will include ground-level shops and restaurants.
  • Zone L application proposes 237 new homes (60% social rent), new shops, community space, and public open space.
  • Controversy: over 1,020 objections were lodged against proposed changes that would cut affordable housing from 35% to 10%.

Canada Water is a short walk from Marine Wharf East. This massive regeneration directly affects local amenities, transport, and property values.

Canada Water Masterplan
CouncilFebruary 2026

Lewisham Council Tax Rising 4.99% from April 2026

Lewisham Council has approved a 4.99% council tax increase for 2026/27, with a Band D bill of £2,237.33 per year.

  • The increase comprises 2.99% core council tax rise plus 2% adult social care precept.
  • Band D households will pay £2,237.33 annually — up £102.20 from 2025/26.
  • Of this, £510.51 goes to the GLA precept (police, fire, transport).
  • Lewisham Council also proposed a 22.28% increase in service charges for council tenants and leaseholders, citing full cost recovery for utilities, caretaking, grounds maintenance, and lifts.
  • Rent increases for council tenants set at 4.8% from 6 May 2026.

Affects all Marine Wharf East residents. The steep service charge increases are a reminder of why scrutinising management costs matters.

Salamander News
EventsMarch 2026

Deptford Literature Festival — 21–28 March 2026

The sixth annual Deptford Literature Festival returns with over 30 events across Deptford and Lewisham, featuring workshops, talks, children’s activities, and live performances.

  • Running Saturday 21 to Saturday 28 March 2026 across venues in Deptford and Lewisham.
  • Over 30 events including workshops, author talks, interactive children’s activities, a Festival Marketplace, and live performances.
  • Featured writers include Kate Briggs, Jimi Famurewa, Sarah Howe, Jarred McGinnis, Derek Owusu, Leone Ross, and Francis Spufford.
  • Tickets from £3 with some free events. Book at londonwriterscentre.org.uk.

Walking distance from Marine Wharf East. A great local cultural event for residents.

London Writers Centre
CommunityFebruary 2026

Deptford Lounge — Ongoing Community Events

Deptford Lounge continues to host regular community events including crafternoons, roller skating, writers’ groups, and children’s sessions.

  • Queer Along the River exhibition ran throughout February, celebrating local LGBTQ+ history.
  • Lewisham Multicultural Writers’ Group meets every third Saturday (17+).
  • Roller skating sessions every third Thursday, 6pm–9pm.
  • Crafternoons: community crafting sessions at Deptford Libraries.
  • Regular songs, nursery rhymes, and stories for under-5s in the Children’s Library.

Deptford Lounge is a short walk from the estate and offers free/low-cost activities for residents of all ages.

Deptford Lounge
CommunityJanuary 2026

Deptford Market — Every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday

One of south-east London’s oldest and most vibrant street markets runs three days a week on Deptford High Street.

  • Open Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, roughly 7am–4pm.
  • Located on Deptford High Street, Douglas Way, and the junction with Giffin Street.
  • Sells everything from fresh fruit and veg to vintage clothing, fabrics, and household goods.
  • A genuine local institution — one of the few remaining traditional street markets in London.

A 10-minute walk from Marine Wharf East. Great for affordable fresh food and supporting local traders.

Lewisham Council — Deptford
DevelopmentFebruary 2026

Surrey Quays Shopping Centre — Future Under Review

The shopping centre continues to operate but its long-term future is tied to the Canada Water Masterplan, which will eventually replace it with over 1 million sq ft of new retail, leisure, and cultural space.

  • The shopping centre remains open and continues to host events, including Lunar New Year celebrations and monthly Thrive markets.
  • British Land’s masterplan will eventually replace the centre with new shops, restaurants, and leisure destinations.
  • The existing Tesco Superstore will remain until a new replacement store is built as part of the masterplan.
  • Southwark News reported in February 2026 that the centre has seen a decline in footfall, with some describing it as a ‘ghost town’.

Surrey Quays Shopping Centre is the nearest large retail centre to Marine Wharf East.

Southwark News
DevelopmentJanuary 2026

Deptford Edge — New Shared Ownership Homes Launching 2026

A new development of shared ownership homes is launching between Deptford and Canada Water, featuring Passivhaus energy-efficient design.

  • Collection of 1 and 2-bedroom shared ownership homes launching early 2026.
  • Located between Deptford and Canada Water, near the River Thames.
  • All homes feature private balconies and access to a central courtyard.
  • Built to Passivhaus standard — advanced energy-efficient design that reduces energy bills and carbon emissions.
  • Close to Deptford Park, Greenwich Park, and well-connected via Deptford and Surrey Quays stations.

New housing nearby affects local infrastructure demand. Shared ownership residents may also be interested in the MWE association model.

Peabody New Homes
CultureJanuary 2026

Troubadour Greenwich Peninsula Theatre — Planning Approved

A major new cultural venue on the Greenwich Peninsula waterfront near the O2 has received planning approval, with a combined capacity of 3,000 across two auditoriums.

  • Located on the waterfront near the O2 Arena.
  • Two auditoriums with a combined capacity of 3,000.
  • Expected to open its doors in late 2026.
  • Set to become one of London’s most significant new cultural hubs.

Within 2km of Marine Wharf East. A significant new entertainment venue for the local area.

Alex & Matteo Estate Agents