Dilapidated Greenwich building set for demolition and HMO replacement
A dilapidated building on Greenwich High Road could be demolished and replaced by a large HMO if submitted plans are approved.
The structure has been vacant so long it still has a sign adorning the frontage advertising internet access. Ah, those long-gone days when people had to visit internet cafes to get online.
In the application it states there was a “clear history of commercial use, in keeping with the neighbouring context. It is clear however from the vacancies that this use isn’t desirable for these buildings”.
I’m not entirely sold on the site not being desirable for commercial use in principle. There’s plenty of footfall with Deptford Bridge DLR station nearby, a big Travelodge on the other side of the junction and an approved large hotel just over the road.
It’s more likely its been allowed to fall into such poor condition that ensures no one takes it on. Photographs included in the application’s Design and Access Statement show how rotten it is inside.
Nearby development
Other plans nearby see a number of towers in close proximity as part of a redevelopment of the former Lewisham College site. A total of 802 homes are proposed in a number of buildings.
That proposal covers an extensive site across both Greenwich and Lewisham boroughs.
It almost reaches the building planned to be rebuilt in Greenwich.
As for the design of the replacement it’s decent enough.
Pretty much in keeping with the area as you’d expect in this part of Greenwich. To see the proposal, click here to view documents including the Design and Access Statement showing some internal images.
Urban Hive Estates Ltd are behind the plan.
If the building is in such a state of disrepair. Then sadly it is best to demolish the building and replace with a new building in keeping with neighbouring buildings.
The design looks good too.me. it will also help tp bring the HMO rooms to engery efficient standards. I think in this day and age HMO rooms need their own ensuite bathrooms. Making it safer and more private for residents of the rooms.
I agree. If buildings are in such a state of disrepair it is safer to demolish the buildings for safety reasons and build a new building which can be purpose built as a HMO with ensuite rooms. I do agree HMO rooms need ensuite bathrooms.
This is what developers count on when they allow buildings to fall into disrepair. I’ve seen some with roof tiles deliberately removed so that structural damage from water ingress will result.
@C and @Graham: the house of multiple occupation is a profitable business model for landlords – either legal and registered with the local authority meeting all the required regulations, or a flop house that could turn out to be a fire trap.
The landlords who go through the proper channels, often provide a miniscule ensuite with a shower cubicle the size of a phonebox and a sink barely big enough for one hand. The common rooms – lounge and kitchen – are often basic and not very inviting. These places are where to go to sleep and it all seems rather depressing that in the 21st century people are still living in rooms rather being able to afford at the very least, a one bed room flat.
There are many, many shabby rows of shops along London’s major roads but these must be the worst I’ve seen in a long time. Each one looks to be of very poor quality construction. I dread to think what they look like inside.