Woolwich waterfront regeneration
Courtesy: geography.org.uk
Plans have been approved to transform a section of the historic waterfront at Woolwich with a new creative district bringing with it more that 400 local jobs. The Royal Borough of Greenwich Cabinet has agreed a £31 million investment to bring a series of landmark buildings back into use for the creative district, including the Royal Military Academy. The old munitions factory has unparalleled acoustics and will be renovated into a large scale performance venue with a capacity for more than 4,000 people.
The creative hub will also include rehearsal and studio spaces, offices, restaurants and a base for internationally acclaimed theatre companies and an open-sided quadrangle courtyard for performance seating up to 600.
Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Councillor Denise Hyland said ' For almost 300 years, the Royal Arsenal was a major employer and the backbone of the local economy...Approximately one in six people in London work in the creative industries; this proposal will create new skills and wide ranging employment opportunities to open up these industries to residents and provide a massive boost to the local economy.'
Cllr Hyland has stated that this development will cement Woolwich as a destination in its own right, with a direct Crossrail link and will filter benefits to neighbouring Plumstead, Abbey Wood and Thamesmead.
Joyce Wilson, London Area Director of the Arts Council England says 'It is heartening that arts and culture remain so firmly at the centre of the borough's work in Woolwich...I am so pleased that the Arts Council has been able to support this through our Cultural Destinations Fund, ensuring that the development both celebrates the area and stays true to its community'.