Go-ahead for £6.6m revamp of Woolwich Squares

A £6.6m project to revamp the two squares at the heart of Woolwich town centre will go ahead in the New Year after Greenwich councillors gave the scheme the green light yesterday.Greenwich Council secured funding for the redesign of General Gordon and Beresford Squares from central government, Transport for London and developers.

The scheme has been designed by landscape architects Gustafson Porter, and follows detailed consultation with local residents and businesses, as well as targeted consultations to enable young people to give their views.

Cllr Chris Roberts, Leader of Greenwich Council, said, “Both squares are enshrined within the history of the town centre and the role Woolwich has played in the wider history of the country."

The new designs will include:

• A new water feature suitable for children’s play • New access routes across the squares to key locations including DLR & rail stations • New trees and shrubs • New terraces and seating • New lighting to enhance the settings of the Woolwich Equitable and Royal Arsenal Gatehouse buildings • New stalls and layout for Woolwich market • New paving around the squares to complement the recent TfL improvements.

Woolwich market will remain open throughout the construction. There will also be improvements to Greens End which provides the pedestrian link between the two squares. This will include new high quality paving, and new lighting.

Both squares will have technology installed that will allow them to be used for public events.