Some of Woolwich’s long vacant TfL eyesore sites to be covered up
Banners will be installed around some of TfL’s long vacant and neglected sites in Woolwich town centre.
Three sperate plots have been left undeveloped for 17 years since the Woolwich Arsenal DLR extension opened back in 2009. A joint public private partnership announced for the site 17 years ago with developer Oakmayne went nowhere with TfL remaining silent ever since.
While plans have still not emerged via TfL’s property arm Places for London, banners are to be put up around sites including one visible upon leaving Woolwich Arsenal DLR station on Woolwich New Road.
This isn’t the first time they’ve attempted to hide eyesores up at some sites but given just how long the sites have been left, previous attempts have fallen down.
The above fence was replaced by a fence exposing dumped rubbish behind.
Over at a site beside the Powis Street station entrance a poor attempt has been made to disguise the rubbish left at one long vacant site with some boards. It does little to hide what’s behind.
Largest plot
Part of a long vacant TfL plot has fencing surrounding it while to the rear a long vacant site sits untouched.
This sits east of the station entrance just south of the large Woolwich Exchange site, which saw another delay revealed this week.
These sites do more than most demonstrate the mess that is housing in London and beyond. Prime sites in public ownership lying empty for 17 years during a housing crisis since the DLR opened.
You can’t get a better connected spot. The Elizabeth line is a minute away while the DLR and railway station with Thameslink and Southeastern Metro services is just a second’s walk.
Many, many bus routes pass by with shops, a leisure centre, arts and culture venues and much else right there – and all left as eyesores for nearly two decades. No homes provided, no jobs, no extra footfall for local businesses, not a thing.
Hiding the plots helps but TfL and Places for London really need to get their finger out and build on these sites.
The above image from 2009 shows just how long its been as Beresford Square has had two revamps since. Firstly for the the Olympics in 2012 and then another which completed last year.
A vague estimate of around 2030 from TfL to commence work is still far too sluggish, to the detriment of the town.
Hi
I always focus responsibility where it belongs….Greenwich Council…..they are in the driving seat
As is the UK Govt on all other issues
Mis-guided focus, Roy. The council is not responsible for the sites mentioned in this article as they are owned by TfL. The thing the council should be doing is pulling TfL up about it, but the council aren’t that much better themselves.
The tfl sites are in Greenwich so Greenwich Council responsible
Tfl are not going to listen to me but they will listen to Greenwich Council…as they make all decisions in the area…
So u say tfl decided Crossrail…no…Greenwich Council decided Crossrail
Indeed – it is land owned by TfL but Greenwich Council has a public realm responsibility and should be leaning on TfL to clean up these sites and keep them clean as well as swiftly remove graffiti that may appear on the hoardings. TfL has a cleaning contractor.
However Greenwich Council’s record on the public realm is appalling. They seem not to understand that a clean public realm makes people feel better about where they live.
Greenwich Council’s pre election slogan was all about “Getting Things Done” which made a lot of people smile.
Well Cllrs, that slogan applies post election, so do your job and get TFL to clean up these sites and then keep them clean .
This is not much to ask but it would do wonders for these bits of Woolwich.
Somebody didn’t measure the site in Woolwich New Road properly.
Looks stupid.
I guarantee you that it’ll could be brought by the council and new flats to be built with shops or a supermarket or an indoor market.
The hoardings will simply attract graffiti and Woolwich will be as scruffy as ever.
I’d sooner TFL save the cash and spend it on developing plans for these sites.
I mean, 17 years! No wonder we have a housing crisis.
These sites have been a eyesore for far too long. TfL need to make a decision on what they are going to do with these sites sooner rather than later. Greenwich Council are responsible for planning applications, the public realm and general maintenance of the general area around the sites..
Boarding up these sites will just attract graffiti and the sites being left empty for many more years to cone.