How to keep Woolwich tip-top after major upgrade: A look at an idea popular elsewhere

This weekend Woolwich’s Beresford Square revamp opened as part of a £21 million project and very good it is too.

Yet the question many are asking is will it all fall apart through neglect? It follows a failed upgrade on the same square a decade ago and nearby Powis Street already looking tired.

No, I’m not blaming the businesses for putting bags down as I believe they’re told to.

But clearly it’s not doing that bright white paving much good. Choosing such materials meant regular deep-cleaning is a must.

So how do we fund regular cleaning and keep the investment including extensive landscaping looking good for months and years to come – while also putting on more events to drive footfall? Bear in mind Greenwich council are attempting to save hundreds of thousands in street cleaning right now and there’s disquiet in the relevant department.

There’s no point moaning without looking for solutions and one is something I’ve mentioned before: A Business Improvement District (BID).

It’s a project whereby businesses agree to pay a levy to maintain to improve a town centre. They’re everywhere. See Bexleyheath, Bromley and Brixton to name but three. Head to east London and they’re in Stratford and Ilford.

In the west at Acton and Ealing. In the north at Wood Green. Common across the capital and beyond. The GLA supports them and even provides guidance for councils on setting them up.

There’s now more than 70 across London with Greenwich and Lewisham boroughs notable by their absence. Lewisham is another town undergoing a major town centre project that will require some stronger maintenance.

In a time of constrained finances it makes sense for Greenwich to push for one in Woolwich. It’s not as if there’s a lack of major nationwide brands and businesses who contribute in other towns.

For hotels there’s Travelodge and Premier Inn. Then there’s Barclays, Santander, Sainsburys (x2), Tesco (x2), Marks and Spencer, Gail’s, Starbucks, HSBC, McDonald’s, Young’s pubs, Iceland and on and on it goes.

All big brands and companies. Many of which happily voted for BIDs in other parts of London and beyond. In York daily cleaning is undertaken using BID money to give one example.

Pushing it forward

But a Business Improvement District doesn’t just spring into existence. An authority usually needs to take the lead.

So why are Greenwich one of the few areas in London not to? Well, I suspect it’s their domineering “we know best” attitude which, let’s be honest, is not justified. Failing to maintain previous upgrades and Powis Street’s decline already starting are testament to that.

It was always odd they never pushed for one during 14 years of austerity; it makes even less sense now £21 million has just been spent on public realm improvements.

In 2023 £57 million was raised across London. Not huge sums for each BID but a scheme in Woolwich would be enough to better maintain major new investment in Woolwich alongside events to entice visitors. Bexleyheath, for example, is using BID money this very weekend for a dinosaur event.

And it goes beyond just Woolwich. Why not Greenwich? That seems a no-brainer given many other tourist friendly areas have BIDs. Maybe some cash could also help pay for a better foot tunnel lift…