Stretching from Telegraph Hill with its stunning views over London, all the way up towards Surrey Quays, this neighbourhood incorporates much of the trendy area of New Cross. The high streets are full of animation 24/7, with independent shops, markets, and plenty of nightlife, which all cater to the needs of the highly multicultural population. This is supported by convenient Overground transport from New Cross Gate station and nearby Brockley. The heavy traffic that clatters down New Cross Road and Queens Road gives way to surprisingly quiet suburban streets of Edwardian and Victorian terraces. It is in these areas where one can find idyllic greenery in the form of Telegraph Hill Park, Eckington Gardens, and Bridgehouse Meadows, as well as Skehans, the well known Irish pub. The numerous junior schools and reasonably priced housing has made this area popular with younger families from around the world, and the nearby Goldsmiths’ University and Camberwell College of Arts means that students and locals happily brush shoulders at the many local pubs, making for a truly unique community atmosphere. As the postcode extends north towards Surrey Quays and Deptford the density of new developments increases, often built between the numerous train lines running through the area.

Taking its name from the local tavern, The Golden Cross, New Cross was a convenient stop off point for those travelling south to Kent from London, and vice versa. The land was bought by the Haberdashers’ Company in the early 17th century, a wealthy guild who leased large houses to gentlemen during the 18th century, and who were instrumental in the area’s urbanisation in the 19th century. New Cross Gate itself took its name from a nearby tollgate, which was erected in 1718 and moved to New Cross Road in 1813. The market gardens that occupied Telegraph Hill gave way to a semaphore station in 1795, and was later developed into housing. During the Industrial Revolution, the neighbourhood became known as the New Cross Tangle on account of the numerous railway lines which passed through it. These new stations spurred the construction of the Royal Naval School, which was taken over by the Goldsmiths’ Company in 1891 and which has subsequently evolved into Goldsmiths’ University. New Cross suffered heavily during the Blitz, forcing many out of the deprived neighbourhood, but its resurgence began in the 60s, when many people from the Caribbean and Africa moved to the area, creating a diverse melting pot of cultures that continues to this day.

Goldsmiths’ University has been the breeding ground for many artists over the years, most notably the Young British Artists, who attended the BA Fine Art between 1987 and 1990. These include Anthony Gormley, Sarah Lucas, Angus Fairhurst, Gary Hume, Steve McQueen as well as musicians such as Damon Albarn. The actor Gary Oldman was also born and raised in New Cross. The film Nil By Mouth is loosely based on his youth spent in the area.

With this cultural heritage, it is unsurprising that Telegraph Hill hosts a festival of the arts every year, bringing local musicians, artists, actors and performers together to perform in the Springtime. It includes plays and theatrical events, reggae sound systems, public art, comedy and pop up diners, all of which cater to the local community.

Residents of this area can expect development and growth looking forward, especially in the regions north of New Cross which have already seen a number of mixed-use and residential schemes.

The London Underground will be extended to Lewisham via the Bakerloo line over the coming years. This extension will include a new station at New Cross which is expected to radically change the neighbourhood as it becomes significantly more viable for commuters. However, TFL budget constraints stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic mean that these plans have been on hold for the last couple of years. Further north, the New Bermondsey development is set to transform the area surrounding Millwall FC’s football stadium: The Den. Taking advantage of an underused 30-acre industrial site, the scheme promises to provide 3,500 homes in three identical 32-storey towers as well as new sports facilities, a hotel, and GP facilities.