Tallest Thamesmead block revealed as next housing redevelopment stage moves towards completion

A delayed stage of Peabody’s rebuilding project in south Thamesmead is nearing completion with the tallest block now unveiled.

Other lower-rise blocks are also now externally complete at the former Binsey Walk including some athe former Newacres libray site.

It’s possible to glimse the lake through buildings.

This area was formerly home to Newacres library and a bridge over the road as part of the “streets in the sky” concept at the time.

Quite oddly the highest density homes are located furthest from Abbey Wood station and nearby bus stops (which have recently seen a big cut in stopping buses after TfL replaced the 472 with Sl11).

Slow progress

It all looks rather nice but goodness me are they incredibly slow to build. This has impacted local businesses as far less cutom and footfall has arrived.

Peabody’s redevelopment of south Thamesmead is many years behind schedule with this latest phase around around three years late. That followed the organisation taking from Gallions and taking many years to even draw up a programme for redevelopment – despite some plots already being flattened.

Peabody plan seven stages across south Thamesmead of which this is phase two. Phase three is also delayed and at this rate phase seven – mere seconds from Abbey Wood station with the Elizabteh line, Thamelink and Southeastern services – won’t complete until 2040+.

Bear in mind many of the current issues with housebuilding didn’t exist for the first 7 years of Peabody control. They did little in the era of ultra low interest rares, no Building Safety Regulator and enjoyed Housing Zone status with grant funding.

The current’s government “build, baby, build” talk hasn’t translated to any increase in the glacial pace of  building across south Thamesmead two years into power despite excellent tranpsort links minutes away.

Former homes on Harrow Manorway were demolished around eight years ago. Nothing is planned for years to come in the area seen below.

Fear not though as Peabody are now supposed to build en masse near a potential DLR station in north Thamesmead despite that trasnport link offering far less than Abbey Wood near south Thamesmead where they’ve done little for 14 years.

The DLR offers less frequency, slower journeys and fewer destinations. But somehow they’ll build there?

It’ll take a massive change in the organisation’s ability to deliver. No sign so far of that.