Check out plans for a creative district
BY NEWS REPORTER
shuz@slpmedia.co.uk
Residents and traders have the chance to see how the new plans for a creative district are taking shape.
A public consultation of plans for the £31million Woolwich Creative District on the Royal Arsenal site will be held on Saturday December 2, to coincide with the Woolwich Winter Warmer and the RARE Christmas events in the town.
People will be able to drop in to Building 41 from noon until 4pm to view the plans. Members of the project team will be on hand to give information and answer any questions people may have.
Attendees will also be able to enjoy The Museum of the Moon, in Building 17, by artist Luke Jerram.
The 7m-wide lunar globe is described as a fusion of science and art, with a dash of magic – and will be a taster of the type of exhibitions and art installations that the creative district could regularly host.
The council said the creative district project will see a number of Grade II listed buildings on the former ammunitions-producing site transformed and given a new lease of life.
The town hall said it agreed the vision for the riverside site in March and architects Bennetts Associates have been appointed to draw up the plans.
The scheme is set to include a 450-seat theatre, a 600-seat performance courtyard as well as rehearsal studios, office space, event space and space for community hire.
Councillor Denise Scott-McDonald the Cabinet member for culture, creative industries and community well-being, said: “It is a great opportunity for people to see how the creative district is shaping up and find out more about our vision for the area.
“People will be able to meet and speak to members of the project team and put questions to them. The local community already has fed in some inspiring ideas through previous consultation exercises which have informed the architects work and so we are really keen to hear people’s views.
“It is going to be a lovely day in which people can enjoy the festivities such as the ice rink, ice-carving and lantern parade and then just pop in and see us.”
Leader of the council Denise Hyland, said: “The buildings for the Woolwich creative district are truly unique and wonderfully positioned on the Thames riverside.
The historic Royal Arsenal site is a major asset to the borough and locating our new development here will drive forward the continual revival of Woolwich and the surrounding area.
“The development will attract investment and create about 400 jobs.
“It is a fantastic development which will bring internationally acclaimed artists to the doorsteps of Woolwich residents and attract visitors from far and wide to enjoy the many assets of the town.”