Take a guided tour of Thamesmead (before it’s knocked down)

Peabody and the 20th Century Society are leading a tour of South Thamesmead for this year’s Open House weekend on Saturday 21st September.

The tour kicks off at 12pm (with a maximum of 25 per tour) and will be led by modernist architecture enthusiast Thaddues Zuppancic of the 20th Century Society. It will comprise a look at the GLC 1968 masterplan along with a discussion about some of the new projects currently underway by Peabody.

Much of the initial phases of Thamesmead are currently being demolished with work on Binsey Walk now ongoing and Coralline Walk on Harrow Manorway planned soon so this is the last chance to see some if not local.

 

It’s a bit ironic that the 20th Century Society are leading the tour. When it was first proposed to flatten much of Thamesmead Phase 1’s lower buildings – which is by far the most interesting and complex part of the design – I contacted the 20th Century Society to see if they could encourage Peabody to retain a small refurbished section in any new design. They didn’t reply. Now it’s all going.

I expected a brush off but from what I recall they made no effort to highlight the threat to one of the country’s most prominent 20th century housing schemes before plans were submitted and approved.

Complex forms replaced by simplified massing in following stages

Of course I expected much of it to come down but would have appreciated a small amount to retained as a link to what made Thamesmead Thamesmead – and refurbished to as-new condition, including removing the white UPVC windows and restoring full length timber frames. In a few years all that will remain are the basic boxes of homes from following phases of Thamesmead – introduced after Stage One went over budget and cuts backs were demanded.

Click here for details.

 

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J Smith

I've lived in south east London most of my life growing up in Greenwich borough and working in the area for many years. The site has contributors on occasion and we cover many different topics. Living and working in the area offers an insight into what is happening locally.

4 thoughts on “Take a guided tour of Thamesmead (before it’s knocked down)

  • Do you just turn up on the day or do I need to book a ticket? Website is not clear.

    Reply
  • They are taking away a great place Peabody don’t have a clue what they are doing surger coating thamesmead for what??

    Reply
  • It is sad to see all these homes go. When these homes were first built on Thamesmead my aunt lived there and people were moved to Thamesmead from all over London by the GLC.

    Many of the new occupants were moved from older homes in other parts of London that were due to be demolished so theareas could be regenerated.

    Reply

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