Approved: 350 homes on area of former North Woolwich station

Newham Council’s Strategic Development Committee have approved a proposal for 350 homes in North Woolwich.

The development from the council’s development company Populo will see five blocks ranging from eight to thirteen storeys, public realm improvements and changes to Pier Road. The bus turning circle will be altered.

The development sits on much of what was the former station though the impressive former station building remain and is in separate ownership.

North Woolwich station was the terminus of Silverlink trains until the line was closed and the DLR took over much of the track bed before heading under the Thames to terminate at Woolwich Arsenal.

The line had been on a downward trend for many years with it’s former impressive station building closing in the 1970s, with a replacement – let’s call it basic at best – opening in its place.

A museum operated on part of the former station and sidings for many years until closure in 2008.

Transport

If seeking to use rail for travel residents will have the choice of walking to King George V DLR station or heading across the Thames under the foot tunnel (or perhaps the ferry) for the Elizabeth line. I suspect the latter may be more appealing for some when moving in, but the former option more usable in practice.

The foot tunnel can be a bit deserted and spooky at times, the ferry is unreliable and it’s southern exit will be surrounded by a building site when the Waterfront leisure centre closes in 2025 and is demolished and redeveloped.

In recent years another block was constructed to the east, while another development of 163 is underway just west of the site.

Out of 348 homes just 85 will be social housing despite Newham having thousands in temporary and emergency housing. The borough in turn is then paying millions each year above budgeted totals.

That’s just 85 homes out of 348 in a development on Newham council’s own land.

EDIT: New express route SL2 launched as part of the Superloop has a stop right outside the site improving access to various modes of transport.