Final stage of “One Woolwich” housing development approved
The final stage of a major estate rebuilding project has gained approval after almost twenty years as part of the “One Woolwich” project.
Despite the name this stage of the project is in Charlton and part of a site left an eyesore for years at Maryon Grove.
One Woolwich saw three Greenwich Council estate demolished with mixed-tenure replacements.
At this site buildings are generally low to mid-rise alongside neighbouring Morris Walk South while the tallest buildings are reserved for Morris Walk North.
I recall reading about plans for One Woolwich on the Greenwich Council intranet about 18 years ago. It’s been incredibly slow.
Residents were evicted some years ago at Maryon Road before temporary “property guardians” moved in paying three times the price for zero security of tenure. But that’s private renting for you in the England.
Other sites
It follows work at both the Connaught estate and then Morris Walk adjacent to this latest approval. In total 1,064 mostly council homes were demolished over the life of the project to be replaced by 1,500 dwellings.
A total of 165 homes are included within this latest and last phase of work with 48 per cent for social rent.
Low rise homes on Maryon Road aim to mirror existing housing across the road. A report before the Planning Board states:
“Notable enhancements include a substantially increased provision of communal open space – now featuring dedicated play areas, an urban square along Maryon Grove and a continuous green spine – which collectively deliver a more attractive and accessible environment for future residents.
“The retention of mature trees along Maryon Grove further enhances the streetscape and local visual amenity.”
Cllr David Gardner raised issues with parking but ultimately voted to approve.
Next door
As luck would have it I was passing the adjacent Morris Walk estate today on the train.
It’s a large site cut in two by the railway. There were ideas about improving connections between either side as par of redevelopment.
Section 106 revenue was requested to link the two sides. Greenwich Council planners were having none of it. No investment for improved access.
That too will impact those moving to new homes at Maryon Road when heading towards bus stops at Woolwich Church Street. In addition, TfL’s plans to replace the 472 with the SL11 would mean eight fewer buses calling at the bus stops each hour.
As for rail services the closest station is Woolwich Dockyard which is served by Southeastern though Thameslink sail through at present. They recently stated they may call at one of either Woolwich Dockyard, Erith or Belvedere in future. All stations see substantial housing plans in the vicinity.
