Redevelopment of Woolwich Barracks: 1,920 homes could come to the site
Greenwich Council are set to launch consultation on plans to redevelop parts of Woolwich barracks after the Ministry of Defence announced closure plans.
Plans first emerged to sell much of the site in 2016 with a target date of 2028.
Documents uploaded to Greenwich Council’s website this week include the final draft of a Supplementary Planning Document which state 1,920 homes could be accommodated on site. A 72-page document has been drawn up though the housing total only emerges on page 55.
Owing to the nearby conservation area plus listed buildings on site, building heights would not be tall.
Ultimately any sale is down to the MOD with Greenwich’s options limited to how any subsequent development is guided.
As the report notes: “The site is owned by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Council are working with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), who act on behalf of the MOD as landowner, to produce the SPD”.
An earlier consultation this year drew 754 responses. Green space across the site aside from Woolwich Common includes Repository Woods and lake. The SPD document highlights connecting both areas “via a green ecology corridor”.
The Rotunda on site is in poor shape. Listed at Grade II*, the John Nash-designed building is described as being “of exceptional historical and architectural significance.”
Housing
The site also features a number of listed buildings which will be retained and integrated in any new development. It won’t be a repeat of nearby Red Barracks which was almost entirely demolished in 1975.
Most housing plans are centred on the north east corner of the site closest to Woolwich town centre and improving connections between the two is a key aim.
Much of the site is protected green space such as Woolwich Common. The MOD also look set to keep some land under their control with The King’s Troop Royal Horses Artillery remaining “subject to a separate planning application to make sure the remaining site is fit for purpose.”
Another small section show in grey above will remain in MOD hands.
It does however mean almost the complete removal of a military presence which has stretched back hundreds of years and leaves an indelible mark on so much of the area including spots stretching to Abbey Wood and Thamesmead which were former MOD until post-war redevelopment.
Redevelopment
At 72 pages in length the council’s report highlights both the site’s history and potential future. It states “The Royal Borough of Greenwich wishes to see the Woolwich Barracks Site developed as a place which:
• Builds on its strong identity and unique military heritage, leaving a cultural legacy.
• Is well designed, conserves and enhances heritage assets and ensures their viable use.
• Creates a vibrant new neighbourhood with a range of new homes including 50% affordable housing and appropriate supporting uses and infrastructure.
• Better connects to the surrounding area, existing communities, and Woolwich town centre to improve accessibility.
• Improves access to existing open spaces and provides high quality publicly accessible green spaces and play space which promotes healthy and active lifestyles.
• Preserves and enhances the site’s green character and reflects the historic value and role of the open spaces throughout the site.”
Military sales
It’s the latest in a long line of land sales from the Ministry of Defence in the town, with the Royal Arsenal closing in the 1990s. Only now 30 years later is the final part of the Arsenal site to be developed into housing, as covered earlier this week.
In addition the Brookhill estate, which was built to house military families, is currently being demolished for new housing.
Various other MOD sites have converted to residential use including the Royal Herbert Hospital and Royal Military Academy.
You can read the full report here which is set to enter public consultation in the near future.
The existing buildings could be converted in to luxury period homes retaining as much of the original features as possible. With new and affordable homes on other sections on the site. Being located close to Woolwich Town Centre and the Wookwich Elizabeth Line and Woolwich DLR Stations. Could be an asset for future residents. .
Although to be totally honest hink the site should remain as a fully functional Barracks for the Army
Closing most of the Barracks is a huge loss to our heritage in Woolwich.
Woolwich has always has been a Garrison Town with links to our Armed Forces.
Absolutely C I totally agree. Some of the older listed buildings could be converted to nice period style homes. However, i also agree closing most of the Wookwich Barrack site will be a great loss for Woolwich. In these uncertain times it would have made more sense to keep the Barracks and expand the services provided by the Army at the Barracks making full use of the site.
As C stated Woolwich as always been a Garrison Town and part of Woolwich’s heritage.
I have to agree with C and KM it is a real shame that the majority of the Wookwich Barracks site is being sold of by the MOD. At a time we should be strengthing and investing in our Armed Forces.
I also agree that the listed buildings on the site should be converted to luxury period homes keeping as much of the original features as possible to maintain our heritage as these buildings are of historical importance locally. But appreciate they would also need to be made energy efficient to help reduce energy costs.
I also hope some of the land will be an open space for residents to enjoy some outdoor space. Which is lacking in many new developments with high density housing.
It’s the longest continuous Georgian facade in the UK. Hopefully it’s converted as sympathetically as modern building regulations allow. Will be interesting to see what happens on the parade ground in front.
What a wasted opportunity. In the years since Portsmouth opened their campus in Walthamstow, the area has seen a massive boost to both the local day and night economies – the kind that ‘Night Czars’ try in vain to promote. This is something that Woolwich could desperately use, rather than seeing it shut off at 6am with just the delivery drivers shooting along Powis Street. It would certainly encourage more social interaction, and reduce feelings of isolation, simply to be able to sit in a coffee shop of a late evening and enjoy being out of the house.
Instead, the private sector will once again benefit, while those in need of affordable homes will be left behind. Premium buildings cost premium coin, and I don’t expect any of that to be spent locally.
Sadly Charles Wookwich still remains a no go area for many people who feel undaf4 vusting Woolwich due to anti social behaviour.
Until serioys action is taken to tackle anti social behaviour and crime in and around Wookwich Town Centre people will not visit certainly in the evenings. Which is a real shame as Woolwich could be a good town centre again.
With regards to the parade ground at Woolwich Barracks the parade ground could possibly be used for some out door space for residents in the new homes in the old Officers Mess once converted in to new apartments. Keeping the original Georgian facade. As the Barracks has always been a major part of Woolwich’s heritage which i hope will remain has part of any new developments on the site.
Although I do agree with others the Barracks should remain a fully functional Barracks.