Housing block on Blackwall Lane in Greenwich tops out
A new block of flats being built on Blackwall Lane has topped out.
Hexagon Housing Association are behind the project which is set to see 27 homes.
It’s more than six years since plans were first submitted for the former MOT Centre.
Directly next door sits the former Meantime brewery as just about visible on the right below.
Grade II listed Rothbury Hall is another neighbour.
Its been home to Emergency Exit Arts since the 1980s.
The above image is looking north to the Blackwall and now Silvertown tunnel approach with a grotty area below for those on foot or cycle.
Tunnel Avenue isn’t much better as an alternative to reach the peninsula from Blackwall lane.
While new developments the other side of the flyover garner much attention Blackwall Lane has seen a fair bit over the past decade. Almost no revenue from developments via Section 106 or the Community Infrastructure Levy either side has gone towards linking the two parts of Greenwich.
Such a shame. The old auto place at least was something different, stylish and distinct. Another part of town it would have been a nice restaurant or cafe. The day that they took away the drafting board and gave architects MicroStation is the day we got these copy and paste buildings passed for modern living. Still, at least the grey will blend in.
It’s ironic (and frankly a bit misleading) that the concept images show a cyclist using what looks like a red cycle lane, when in reality, that stretch is just a bus lane with no markings, no separation, and definitely not something you’d feel safe cycling in. The visuals give the impression of proper cycling infrastructure, but anyone familiar with the area knows it’s still a car-dominated, disconnected mess with poor crossings and routes through industrial estates.
The original planning statement vaguely mentions that a contribution will be sought towards improving “cycle facilities” but it’s vague and non-committal, just generic lines about aligning with the council’s strategy. It’s hard to tell if anything meaningful will actually happen.
Would be great if this development led to real investment in the public realm, especially improving the link between north and east Greenwich. It’s the most direct route, but still feels completely neglected for anyone not in a car.