Contents

News roundup

Culture comes to Bexleyheath Broadway in 2027

Bexleyheath Broadway is set for an exciting cultural transformation throughout 2027. The Council’s Town Centres team are working in partnership with Bexleyheath BID, Bexleyheath Library and the Broadway shopping centre management to make plans for a vibrant, year-round programme of creative events and activities along the Broadway.

Image of Bexleyheath culture event

This initiative is made possible by the Council agreeing a new, simplified event licensing regime alongside the installation of additional mains power infrastructure in the Broadway. These operational improvements eliminate the need for generators and reduce administrative hurdles, providing local community groups, performing arts collectives, schools and artists with the flexible platform they need to host pop-up activities, interactive workshops and live entertainment in the public realm.

These community-led activities will be in addition to the usual popular range of events and activities put on by the Bexleyheath BID. The aim is to fill the gaps in the event calendar and give our local communities and performers a real chance to shine.

Get involved

There will be plenty of opportunities for local groups, performers and creatives to take part in our exciting programme of events throughout 2027. We’ll be sharing details on how to express your interest in the coming months, so be sure to follow our social media and communications channels, as well as those of Bexleyheath BID, for the latest updates.

Five-year investment plan for Bexleyheath businesses

From family activities and community events to seasonal celebrations, Enjoy Bexleyheath’s programme gives residents and visitors plenty of reasons to spend time in the town centre throughout the year.

 

Image of Bexleyheath business event with performers dressed as butterflies

These events have attracted thousands of visitors to Bexleyheath, while Enjoy Bexleyheath also works with local businesses and partners to promote the town, support the local economy and create a welcoming place to visit.

The Business Improvement District (BID), which supports this work, has recently been renewed for a further five years. This will provide continued investment in the town centre and support an ongoing programme of events, promotions and activities through to 2031.

Councillor David Leaf, Leader of the Council, said:

The renewal of the Bexleyheath BID is great news for the town and its businesses, providing a strong foundation for continued investment over the 
next five years.

The BID plays an important role in supporting local businesses, promoting Bexleyheath and delivering the events and activities that bring thousands of people into the town centre. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Enjoy Bexleyheath and local businesses to build on this success and help Bexleyheath thrive."

With more events and activities planned, there are plenty of reasons to visit Bexleyheath over the coming months, whether you’re shopping, enjoying a meal, meeting friends or getting involved in a community event.

Find out more about Enjoy Bexleyheath

Urging investment in Southeastern trains

The Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader have written to the Transport Secretary on behalf of Bexley residents in support of Southeastern’s business plan to replace its ageing Networker trains with a reliable, accessible and comfortable fleet.

Image of a southeastern train

In the letter they emphasised the importance of rail links to the Borough and urged the Transport Secretary to provide Bexley residents with the modern railway they deserve.

Train use has increased considerably across the Borough’s 12 stations 

The Leader and Deputy Leader urged the government to provide a modern fleet of trains that would not only provide local people with the fast and reliable train service they need but that would also enable our town centres to grow, regenerate the northern parts of our Borough, and attract investment to Bexley.

Protecting Bexley’s Character & Communities

The Mayor of London has launched a consultation on a draft London Plan, setting out his strategy for development across London over the next 10 to 20 years.

The plan includes 52 new planning policies and seeks to deliver a minimum of 558,000 new homes across London in the first 10 years, to 2037. This would require a 50% increase in housebuilding across the capital. It also proposes an additional 270 hectares of land for industry.

Aerial view of Bexley

We are clear that development in Bexley must strike the right balance between meeting housing needs and protecting the character of our Borough and the communities who live here.

We do not agree with the Mayor of London’s approach and are concerned that it could lead to areas of Bexley with no previous development being identified as suitable for housing. We also strongly oppose any additional planning guidance that could be introduced to reinforce national housing targets.

As the local planning authority, the Council is best placed to determine what sustainable growth looks like for our communities and to plan for the housing, infrastructure and regeneration Bexley needs, supported by investment from national and regional government.

We have already put local planning protections in place for Bexley’s green spaces and Green Belt, including Hall Place, Foots Cray Meadows, Crayford Marshes and Sidcup Place.

The Council will respond fully to the consultation on the draft London Plan before it closes on 15 October.

Annual electoral canvass – keep your details up to date

It’s the time of year when we contact every household to update the Electoral Register. The ways we get in touch may vary. Please look out for an email or letter from us and make sure you respond if required.

You may also be contacted by telephone or receive a personal visit from one of our canvassers if we have not been able to confirm your household details.

We have started sending emails where possible, which include a link to update your household details online. If you do not respond to the email invitation, you will receive a letter or telephone call asking you to confirm or update your information.

If you have any questions about the annual canvass, please email Electoral Services at elections.office@bexley.gov.uk or call 020 3045 3615.

Find out more about canvassing