Nearly 2,000 homes and supporting commercial and community space could be delivered as part of the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s plans to redevelop the Woolwich Barracks site.
Following the Ministry of Defence’s decision to sell the site, the council asked residents, local businesses and community groups to tell us what they thought of possible future development earlier this year.
Today, after taking on board that feedback, the council has published a draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which sets the vision for the site and will act as guidance for any developer who wants to buy the land.
While the King’s Troop Royal Horses Artillery will remain stationed in Woolwich, the vision for the rest of the site reflects an urgent need to deliver affordable homes while safeguarding the heritage of the Barracks through careful scrutiny of any proposed development.
The council’s ambition is for 1,920 high quality homes to be built through a mixture of sizes and tenures, with 50 per cent affordable housing delivered across the site.
To support the new housing, the site has capacity for 4,500sqm of commercial and community space which could include shops, cafes, gyms, nurseries as well as other facilities.
Cllr Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “Our borough’s unique military history is something we are rightly proud of. It is also why it is so vitally important that any development of the site is handled in a way that respects and honours its heritage.
“This draft SPD, which I encourage our residents to look at and comment on, will mean that any future development of the site will not only be of the highest calibre but will also – and just as importantly – deliver much needed housing that will help our borough become more affordable.
“This development will represent a major opportunity for the right developer to celebrate the Barracks site and ensure the sense of place it has brought for centuries is not lost.”
Cllr Majid Rahman, Cabinet Member for Planning, Estate Renewal and Development, said: “Make no mistake that this council is pro-development but first and foremost it is here to deliver for our residents, and delivering positive outcomes for them is paramount as well as being one of our key missions.
“Our guidance to prospective developers of the Woolwich Barracks site should ensure any development makes a positive contribution to local people while retaining the distinctive character and heritage of the site. By setting clear expectations on building height and construction materials, residents can be confident the site’s character will be respected.
“I hope residents are excited by our vision for the site which I believe is key to unlocking more affordable housing while delivering new public spaces which will also help make the area feel better connected with its surrounding areas.”
The consultation on the draft SPD will run from Monday 20 October to Monday 30 November.
