Woolwich Central

Royal Borough of Greenwich

Woolwich is changing rapidly with the arrival of Crossrail spurring major high-density redevelopment and regeneration in the town centre. The Woolwich Central development represents a significant part of this change.

Client: Meyer Homes
Size: 712
Height: 13-16 storeys
Total GIA: 60,144 sqm (647,390sqft)
Status: Planning Achieved
Sectors
Mainstream Residential, Private Development, Housing Association
Services
Concept Design, Capacity Studies, Planning Applications, Employer's Requirements

This major development consists of 712 mixed tenure residential units in two separate phases with commercial areas including co-working office space, affordable workspace and cafés.

The key building is a 15-storey tower facing General Gordon Square at the heart of Woolwich while the remaining 590 apartments are contained in 7 separate buildings of up to 16 storeys further up the hill.

Full planning permission was granted in September 2022. The scheme has subsequently been resubmitted to meet new regulations requiring second fire stairs in tall buildings which was granted in early July of 2023.

“

Like most major development projects in London, our scheme in Woolwich has been complex and long-running. The team at Formation Architects have not only dealt with the complex design work but also steered their way around the many technical and planning obstacles with skill and determination.

Jamie Pearson, Land & Planning Director, Meyer Homes

Phase 3

The massing of Phase 3, a 15-storey building, is broken down into 3 triangular forms which provide slenderness whilst allowing the building to respond uniquely to its context in addressing three distinct corners of Woolwich. The building is pulled back from the site boundary to reduce its impact on protected site lines and provide new generous public realm

Phase 4

Phase 4 comprises of 6 ‘framing’ buildings (Block A-B-C and F-G-H), and Block DE which is situated in the middle of the frame. Building heights range from 13-16 storeys, with the ground and first floor of the buildings accommodating commercial spaces; upper floors serve as residential floors. Private amenity was thoroughly planned out to ensure good levels of privacy and protection, while allowing good levels of daylight to reach each dwelling. 10% of new homes have been designed to be wheelchair accessible.

Overall, the scheme provides a sustainable mixed-use quarter, a well-landscaped public realm and increased activation along the streets. The proposal will reintroduce historical links, create permeability and reconnect the Woolwich Common Conservation Area with the riverfront.

Landscaped amenity spaces and a new public square were designed to serve as a communal garden for the use of residents and the public respectively, incorporating a rich variety of landscape features, including areas of planting, new trees, places to sit and play equipment for children.

The material for each building relates to several key buildings in the immediate context, making reference to the varied character of Woolwich town centre. Overall, the scheme aims to provide a sustainable mixed-use quarter, a well-landscaped public realm and increased activation along the streets. The proposal will reintroduce historical links, create permeability and reconnect the Woolwich Common Conservation Area with the riverfront.

Next Case Study:

The Green Quarter (Phase 2)

Berkeley Group appointed Formation Architects to design this major residential-led development in Southall in the London Borough of Ealing