Plans are being brought forward to redevelop a major derelict site in Woolwich town centre – three years after Greenwich councillors threw out plans to build 595 flats there.
The plot at Macbean Street, which was once home to Woolwich Polytechnic School, has been derelict for more than 20 years.
Councillors unanimously rejected plans by Legal & General to build flats there in 2021, despite Greenwich’s planning officers recommending they approve the scheme, which included five blocks of up to 22 storeys.
The councillors said the scheme was too high – particularly with tall blocks in the Royal Arsenal opposite – too dense, and did not contain enough “affordable” housing.
Now another developer, Re:shape Living, is looking at a new scheme for the site, including student accommodation and co-living – where residents share some facilities like kitchens and laundries – as well as housing, including homes for those on the housing register.
The plans would also include a two-storey community and cultural building and would retain a former electricity works, which would have been demolished under L&G’s plans.
Re:shape had initially planned to redevelop the former Woolwich Catholic Club site into a co-living development, but later handed over to another developer who won approval for student flats in April 2022. Work is expected to start on that site soon and the block is expected to be finished next year. Re:shape’s best-known development is the Ark co-living block next to Wembley Stadium.
The company is now asking local community groups, charities and social enterprises to help shape its plans for Macbean Street by saying what community, cultural and retail uses are most needed in Woolwich. It is also looking to form partnerships with groups.
Re:shape’s co-founder, Jermaine Brown, said: “We are excited to start to engage with local community groups, charities, SMEs, and social enterprises over the coming months, so they not only have a genuine opportunity to co- design and inform the proposed uses of the buildings and the wider offering at the Macbean development site, but also become actual stakeholders and direct beneficiaries of the development proposals.
“The Macbean site is a strategically important development site for Woolwich, and it is important that we deliver a neighbourhood where local people feel welcome, and the proposed uses complement and enrich the vibrancy of the town centre.”
Groups who want to get involved can email electricworks[at]whatyouthink.co.uk or telephone 020 3174 2018.
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