Belvedere gasholders are coming down as 563 homes are proposed

Gasholders on Nathan Way in Belvedere are currently in the process of being dismantled to make way for new homes.

SGN own many across the UK and recently removed two gasholders on Greenwich Peninsula.

In Belvedere, 563 homes from Bellway could be built according to a recent consultation, with buildings topping out at a 4-5 floors.

Lower Belvedere is seen as a major area of growth under Bexley Council’s plans, with an outlet shopping centre even suggested in their Growth Strategy.

In 2021 plans were submitted for 1,250 homes a short distance to the east as covered here.

Both sites site are a short walk from belvedere, and the advent of the Elizabeth line ensures fast travel across London and beyond with a change one stop down the line at Abbey Wood.

Thameslink services however skip Belvedere.

Bellway and SGN’s consultation also mention the DLR but an extension is not funded, and even if it is, the chances of it heading south beyond north Thamesmead seem very slim.

A Crossrail extension from Abbey Wood towards Kent serving Belvedere has been costed at over £3 billion and again would be surprising within 50 years.

The best mid-term solution when thousands of homes are built would be to ensure Thameslink call at Belvedere which alongside Southeastern would provide frequent links to various destinations and connections with Crossrail.

A prior consultation also mentioned cycling and walking links through the site. Whether the provide useful links to Belvedere and Abbey Wood stations alongside safe and secure parking is the key question.

Revised housing plans are being drawn up for the gasholder site with a planning application from Bellway Homes expected to follow.