Woolwich town centre could be set for makeover
By Joe Coughlan, Local Democracy Reporter
Woolwich town centre could get a drastic facelift in coming years, as plans to revamp two major areas have been submitted for approval.
Beresford Square would get a new illuminated water feature and “immersive” garden.
Several neighbourhood squares are also listed in the application, allowing space for coffee carts and street performances.
The ground levels of the square would also be changed to introduce terraced seating and a pavement for the market. Meanwhile, the plans for Powis Street include widened footpaths and more seats.
Powis Street and Beresford Square have each been the subject of separate planning applications made by Greenwich Council, as part of the £21million Future High Street fund project.
The plans, developed by LDA Design, also include the rearrangement of the existing Beresford Square market, placing sellers’ stalls in a line along the west side of the square instead of the centre.
In their plans, LDA Design said: “Consultation and engagement with the market stall traders confirmed their general preference for the proposed linear layout to capitalise on footfall, desire lines and visibility.”
Moving the historic market stalls would open up views of the Royal Arsenal Gatehouse in the square, as well as improving circulation.
In their application, LDA Design said: “There is a real opportunity to create a market experience that is unique to Woolwich, rather than a generic market offer that people could find in other parts of London.”
Accessibility towards the square would also be improved by the Powis Street changes, with barriers and gates being removed to encourage greater footfall.
In the Powis Street plans, LDA Design said: “Currently the hard landscape materials are dated and damaged and the public realm is dominated by bollards, digital advertising boards and under utilised seating. There is huge potential to de-clutter the space, improve the seating opportunities and upgrade and unify the materiality of the street.”
The plans will be followed by two further applications in neighbouring locations, for a new shelter for the Beresford Square market and changes to the Royal Arsenal Gatehouse.
A decision on the Beresford Square and Powis Street applications will be made by November 15.
Pictured top: An artist’s impression of the new Beresford Square design submitted by Greenwich council (Picture: LDA Design)