Yes this is a 3 month trial. FHSoc want to solicit feedback and ideas. We did work with TfL on this too, only the funding and approval of the scheme came from Lewisham. Obviously we would like a longer term solution for the whole forecourt.

Yes we have discussed plans to move the bike racks to the car park. Ideally the car park could be turned into a better drop off area with blue badge parking only. There is a huge largely unused car park on the Perry Vale side. TfL are putting out a new tender soon, so we will be meeting with them to discuss whether that is feasible - there are all kinds of Network Rail charters about station parking, although other stations seem to be managing to make changes.

The toilet which has been defunct for a few rears and is in a state of disrepair is going to be removed, hopefully by Lewisham soon - that’s not part of the NCIL funding btw. Ideally we could then put in a nice turning circle for cars and remove the exit barrier that currently protects cars parked down the entrance/exit road - and those 4 spaces would go too. Plus install things like a drinking water fountain (London Mayor has a big push to install these at stations - I think they’re at 100 and counting so far so we should try to get one) and also a bike pump. Further ideas welcome.

So long story short, drop FHSoc some email feedback - first step is to get the 3 month trial to made permanent before we can look at making other improvements.

The NCIL fund for the planters and then further redevelopment is phased based on this becoming permanent too. We also need to co-ordinate with TfL but hopefully we can turn this into a nice space for pedestrians and make it easier for motorists to drop off and turn around while preserving parking for people with accessibility needs. I should point out again that cars can still drop off people with mobility issues right by the station entrance contrary to some comments on social media. Then turn around.

If the road is re-opened then we can put the planters on the platform or even use them for further trials elsewhere. Might be interesting trying to push them uphil though..!

Next steps are that we have an FHSoc meeting 1st Sept to review things after 1 month, and publish some potential plans shortly afterwards for comment. We’ll also be setting up a proper online survey-monkey form to collect feedback. It largely depends on what TfL can/will do in terms of the car park tender too. Obviously this is a temporary scheme so it looks a bit ugly - we of course will be looking to improve the design for both motorists and pedestrians, but we need to get it made permanent first.

Happy to get more feedback as I said, thanks for all the comments so far.