Woolwich Town Centre, Royal Borough of Greenwich for Royal Borough of Greenwich with LDA Design, Studio Weave, Gort Scott, Michael Grubb Studio, ECF and Civic

Woolwich Town Centre, Royal Borough of Greenwich for Royal Borough of Greenwich with LDA Design, Studio Weave, Gort Scott, Michael Grubb Studio, ECF and Civic

Woolwich’s handsome central public realm had become tired and a magnet for anti-social behaviour. This project acts on local feedback to turn around two central areas – Beresford Square and Powis Street – so that they are again full of promise. The town’s market, a 400-year fixture in Beresford Square, had come to dominate. It is now back to its original linear format, with the Square reprofiled to accommodate community events and families. Local residents have called the changes ’amazing’ and exactly what Woolwich needs.

Describe the context of this project, its neighbourhood and people.

Set on the Thames, the southeast London market town of Woolwich was once home to The Royal Arsenal munitions, which, during its height, employed 120,000 people, driving the town’s economy and establishing its national significance. 
 
The proximity of the Arsenal to the town’s main square, Beresford Square, meant that the Square itself has long been a centre of activity and exchange. Historically, the tram crossed the square and now the Elizabeth Line serves Woolwich here, a significant boost to the town. Powis Street, Woolwich’s main shopping street, also connects to the Square. Both Beresford Square and Powis Street sit at the heart of Woolwich’s conservation area, which was designated in May 2019. The architectural merit of Beresford Square, which features the Royal Arsenal Gatehouse, helped secure this designation. 
 
For some time, Woolwich town centre has been underperforming and it faces significant challenges. The town is one of the most deprived areas in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, which in turn is one of England’s most deprived boroughs. These economic challenges put further strain on already tired public space. Local people said Beresford Square lacked purpose and didn’t always feel safe. The market in the Square had come to dominate, leaving little room for other community activities.
 

The project sought to invest in and revitalise these spaces so that Woolwich’s diverse population could enjoy spending time in them once more. Project ambitions included making semi-pedestrianised Powis Street a draw to shoppers and reimagining Beresford Square as an inviting, family-friendly civic space.

Tell us what you did and how it was designed and delivered. Please explain the governance of the project.

RB Greenwich appointed LDA Design to transform Beresford Square and Powis Street. Investment included £17m from DLUHC’s Future High Street Fund and £1.8m from Historic England’s High Streets Heritage Action Zone, with funds matched by Greenwich.
 
Engagement was designed to reach as many people as possible, with a sharp focus on the market traders. ‘The Front Room’ on Powis Street and an exhibition at Woolwich Central Library enabled residents to view concepts and speak to the design team and council. Pop-ups were where footfall was high, including the local Tesco. Outreach included two public webinars, and a letter drop to 21,000 residents and 700 businesses. Social media posts reached 37,800 residents and 1,500 leaflets were distributed. A project website was set up and a survey collected 520 comments. Meetings were held with accessibility groups, traders and young residents. Residents described the area as unsafe and tired. They wanted cleaner, greener spaces with more seating and activities. 
 
 Design responses included:
 
 1. Opening up the Gatehouse gates on Beresford Square creating a direct link to the Elizabeth Line 
 
 2. Reprofiling Beresford Square to create a more usable space including a central garden, seating and splash pad 
 
 3. Reconfiguring the market to its former linear format 
 
 4. Improving access along desire lines, reducing clutter and improving materiality 
 
 5. Adding seating and planting on Powis Street 
 
 6. A new pavilion with a community café and toilets 
 
 7. Warm, welcoming lighting

How does this public space bring people together, encourage inclusivity, and make a positive environmental impact to the wider place? 

Investment into Woolwich Town Centre has created a stronger sense of place. The design capitalises on footfall, raises the market’s profile and frees up space for socialising and alfresco dining. Beresford Square is now an attractive, flexible space with a garden featuring comfortable seating and resilient planting. There are 38 new trees, and the space is warmly lit. A new market pavilion with café and garden (Studio Weave) replaces an unsightly toilet block, creating a new gateway to the Square. In addition, restoration of the Grade II listed Royal Arsenal Gatehouse (Gort Scott) creates an impressive sense of arrival, opening up the central gate to the public and creating a new desire line through Beresford Square to the Elizabeth Line. It is the first time the gates have opened in 25 years. Lighting makes the Gatehouse a focal point. The gardens provide views to the Gatehouse and helps celebrate Woolwich’s history. Beresford Square can now support a year-round programme of community activity. A splash pad brings children into the Square, making it feel family focused for the first time in a long time. It animates the space when it’s not being used for events.  Powis Street’s materials felt dated and the space was dominated by bollards and clutter. Existing seating was poorly placed and little used. The new designs have unified materiality. Bollards have been removed and seating added where people will use it. It is now much greener. The hours of pedestrianisation are extended to support the night-time economy.