Woolwich Waterfront closes for good: 310 homes in 20-floor blocks possible

The arrival of 2026 has seen a new leisure centre open in Woolwich and the closure of the Waterfront in Woolwich.

It’s swimming pools including featuring the famous slide and wave machine closed shortly before Christmas before other facilities shut for good on 31 December 2025.

A moment for a bit of nostalgia then for many in south east London. For me the earliest memories are probably the early 1990s when I went to birthday party. The centre first opened in 1988.

In the mid 2000s I recall signing up for membership in a relatively recent extension (from the late ’90s?) which didn’t appear to last long. Featuring a bar and café, it seemed vacant long before the overall building closed.

Future

So what now for the site? Well, we know Greenwich Council are selling the site rather than redeveloping themselves to retain and reinvest any profits. Demolition is expected in the near future.

According to council document laying out the future of development across the borough in the coming decade, around 310 homes are likely in blocks up to 20 floors from whichever private developer the authority sells to.

That’s around the same height as recently built towers from Berkeley Homes on former council land which was the Waterfront’s car park. It’s also similar to heights on Callis Yard towers nearby, which was another area of public land sold by the council formerly a depot.

One of the biggest issues with blocks here is the uniform height and lack of step-backs resulting in a canyon effect. A bunch of blocky, lumpen structures is the result. Waterfront’s proposed redevelopment may well continue that theme.

Shops

The area in question in Woolwich was formerly thriving though saw substantial decline and shop closures in the late 20th century, so it may surprise that the council’s draft Local Plan states: “ground floors should compromise of commercial units along all sides of the development to support the town centre.”

Then again the sheer number of new homes planned in this part of Woolwich will see a substantial increase in footfall that would assist retail and commercial units, and this end of Woolwich is probably the healthiest its been for decades in terms of occupied units.

Many upper floors along Hare Street and Powis Street and seen conversion to residential, while Travelodge hotel brings people down. Forthcoming homes are planned around Mortgramit Square and potentially the ferry terminal area immediately west of the leisure centre.

Design

Any redevelopment must surely also factor in the foot tunnel and make it a focal point for the area rather than something hidden away.

The means opening up a route from Hare Street including views of the river as once existed.

The foot tunnel is likely to be a key element of growth in the area and footfall. Not only for those south of the river but those in North Woolwich where developments are proposed such as on the former North Woolwich station. Residents there can walk to Woolwich via the tunnel to access the Elizabeth line, rail services, shops, Woolwich Works and much else beside.

The abysmal and outdated street outside must surely be in line for improvement, though that’s been the expectation every time a major development comes up and Greenwich planners and highways ignore it.

If there’s to be any hope of threading the river and the town centre together, improving Woolwich High Street is a must.

Not mentioned

There is no clear mention of such a move however in the draft Local Plan. That’s a concern. Sure, there’s mention of improved permeability but no express mention of better pedestrian routes from Powis and Hare Streets to the river which would mean action on the dated street design outside.

As the image above shows, the area shown as seeing public realm improvement sis only beside the river.

Nothing for improving links between the Waterfront site to the town centre.

That’s in contrast to a clear statement on the Thames Path: “The development should promote active travel from the Thames Path and improve the existing cycle path.”

If this area is to be a success, it’s essential Greenwich focus on improving Woolwich High street. Get it right and the area would be greatly improved. Do little (as seen before in the recent past) and severance will persist.