36-storey tower block plans reworked to deliver 1,500 new homes

By Joe Coughlan, Local Democracy Reporter 

Plans for a set of tower blocks up to 36 storeys tall will be reworked after a developer bought the site last year.

Plans to add 1,500 new homes beside the River Thames in Morden Wharf, in Greenwich Peninsula, will be redesigned by Jo Cowen Architects.

The architect was appointed by developer Galliard Homes and City Developments Limited (CDL) at the end of last year.

Galliard Homes announced in November 2023, that the developer and CDL had bought the site from LandsecU+I and freeholder Morden College. The sale marked the first partnership between Galliard Homes and Singapore-based global real estate company CDL.

The plans were approved by Greenwich council in September 2021 and will deliver 12 tower blocks to the area, with 35 per cent of the 1,500 new homes planned to be ‘affordable’. The project will also create 186,000 square feet of office space and 3.9 acres of park space.

The development is also planned to upgrade the existing Thames Path in the area and make the jetty on the site public and Galliard Homes said that 50,000 square feet would be included on the site for shops and restaurants.

Galliard Homes said in a statement: “We are pleased to announce our collaboration with Jo Cowen Architects, a distinguished and award-winning architectural practice specialised in urban regeneration and sustainable placemaking.

“Their commitment to crafting exceptional spaces aligns with our dedication to fostering sustainable, socially cohesive communities.

“As we work together, we’re excited to bring our shared vision to life at Morden Wharf – a testament to our commitment to creating outstanding developments where communities can flourish.”

Mike Hood, CEO of LandsecU+I, previously said that the developer was proud of its master plan for Morden Wharf that it had created with Morden College.

Meryl Davies, CEO of Morden College, said that the sale last year would help the charity to support elderly people in the area by providing a home for residents to live independently.