The Royal Borough of Greenwich is investing £2.1million to make sure its town centres are clean, lively and thriving.
The council is using money it gets from developers, along with ringfenced grants, to make sure Eltham, Greenwich and Woolwich are welcoming and well looked after. It is also funding extra support for local businesses, with new town centre management and events to encourage people to the high street.
Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “People often feel nostalgic about how high streets used to be. I get that – so we’re investing in our town centres to make people proud today too. We’re putting extra cash into our town centres to make sure they are equipped for the modern day. Fifty-five percent of residents rate their local high street or town centre as excellent or good, but we can do better. Using money we’ve secured from developers, we’re going to make sure our town centres are kept clean, well run and active.
“We’re going to bring in new town centre managers, extra jet washing, and increased rubbish collections. We’ve already announced a new team of community safety enforcement officers that can patrol later, so residents feel safe and confident to visit the town centre in the evening. High streets don’t have to be something we reminisce about – in Greenwich, we’re getting things done so we love them today as well.”
Councillor Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Business, Greenwich Supports, said: “We are lucky to have three town centres full of character and places we feel proud to call ours. Woolwich has already undergone remarkable regeneration, and we’re making sure it’s kept clean and safe. In Greenwich, we’re going to be revamping Cutty Sark Gardens, and in Eltham we’ll be hosting events to boost local tourism. Vibrant town centres are vital to the local economy, and this investment means we can carry out more engagement with visitors and businesses.”
Using a mix of grants and cash secured from development the Council will landscape Cutty Sark Gardens. Eltham will benefit from an events package to encourage more people to the high street and town centre management will be improved with more engagement with local businesses.
This investment comes from ringfenced grants and the Council’s negotiations with developers to secure £60million that it can use to focus on the things that it knows really matter to residents – because they matter to the Council too. The money is part of the Council’s Getting Things Done drive which can’t be used to offset any future deficits.
Announcements will be made weekly: Visit royalgreenwich.gov.uk/Getting-Things-Done or follow the Council on WhatsApp to be the first to know.
