Woolwich pavilion cafe almost complete as tenant sought
A new structure being built beside Woolwich market is nearing completion as part of a £21 million town centre project.
A former toilet block was demolished near the Royal Arsenal Gatehouse as part of the Future High Streets scheme.
Signs outside show an occupant is being sought for £15,000 a year and it’s under offer.
The description states usage as a possible “coffee shop/sandwich bar and/or bistro with the ability to trade until 10pm at night”. That rules out a pub/bar/restaurant despite its location on a square revamped and would seem ideal for such a spot.
In most European cities such a location would be perfect for such a use and open later than mid evening as this is likely to – at best.
So much for Greenwich council’s interest in the night time economy and those “Woolwich Lates” events.
Bringing greater nightlife was the plan for the last big revamp just over a decade ago.
The nearby Royal Arsenal Gatehouse would also be an ideal venue for evening usage but that’s not happening either.
A small number of offices remaining take precedence over bringing the building to life as an attraction for Beresford Square and linking both sides of Woolwich together.
A great shame as the square seems ideal for utilising buildings around the site – particularly where the council has influence. Moving the few desks on site to alternative sites – such as the revamped Old Library in Woolwich town centre – could have seen it repurposed.
As for the new structure it’s an attractive addition to the area designed by Studio Weave and due to complete by June 2025.
I hope the person(s) who run the Pavillion Cafe run a traditional cafe. Offering a range of hot snacks. hot drinks along with sandwiches rolls etc to eat in or take away.
I also think once open it will be popular with people living and working in the area and passing footfall on their way to the Elizabeth Line Station.
Nice to see some positive change in the town – particularly in time for the summer months. I assumed the works would be scaled down when the initial contractor went under, but to their credit, the development is looking high quality and really enhances the town.
Let’s hope the money goes into upkeep unlike other schemes!
Absolutely Sam. They now need to maintain it with regular cleaning up keep of the planted reas which sadly so often get used as bin and shrewn with litter.
I hope the cafe won’t be as expensive as the slade cafe.