Thames river wall collapse in Woolwich requires emergency repairs

Plans have been submitted for emergency repairs on the Thames river wall in Woolwich at the site of a long delayed development.

While plans are only now appearing online, the wall actually collapsed some months ago. The application states: “there is a clear and present danger to life as members of the public frequently forage along this area of the Thames”.

It continues: “The condition of the existing river wall has been deteriorating rapidly over the course of the past 2 years since Opecprime commenced monitoring of the wall. Significant damage was caused to the wall during Storm Ciara in February 2020 with a critical collapse of the wall on to the foreshore”.

The site of the collapse is earmarked for Mast Quay phase two. Phase one was built in the late 2000s before financial problems hit phase two.

Planned tower at Mast Quay

The block will include 204 flats in a tower reaching 22 floors in height. It was approved back in 2012 and a Section 106 agreement made in 2018. That showed the applicant as the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation created after the financial crises. Despite that, this application is from the original site developer Comer Homes.

Mast Quay phase 2 dates back to the 2000s

This application states:

“The existing river wall has suffered significant damage as result of a number of extreme weather events, with facing brickwork having collapsed and now being located on the foreshore.”

This isn’t the only long-vacant site in the area. Just west is the former angling club site.

Former angling club site

That site named Henry’s Dock has lay empty for many years after approval – and in recent months many dead fish have begun appearing.

Approved nearly nine years ago at former angling club site

One question to be asked about both sites is who is monitoring plots? Mast Quay phase two was approved eight years ago yet was only monitored since 2018.

At Henry’s Dock nothing has progressed since the start of the last decade.

Click here to view plans for the Woolwich wall repairs.

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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.

6 thoughts on “Thames river wall collapse in Woolwich requires emergency repairs

  • Idle curiosity… who is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the wall (Environment Agency; RGB; etc.).

    Reply
    • The application has been made to the Marine Management Organisation

      Reply
  • Came past this week…lots of diggers etc on site..looks like clearing the site and laying foundations…unless I have the wrong place

    Reply
  • I hope they are reinforced foundations. Don’t want those tower blocks sinking into the ground. Ha, ha.

    Reply
  • Whoever the riparian owner is, owns the flood defence / wall. The application has to be made to MMO because they are the relevant body, not RGB.

    EA do not have to fund flood defences which they are not responsible for.

    Reply
  • Pingback: After 13 years of delay, Woolwich tower now visible above ground | Murky Depths

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