In an area historically identified as the focal point of Britain’s military industrial complex, you could expect a harsher, less fluffy name than Woolwich, a.k.a. trading place for wool. Such is the unassuming personality of an area undergoing drastic social and economic changes since it’s foundation 600 years ago. Positioned beside the River Thames in the Borough of Greenwich, Drummond House is part of a huge regeneration project at Royal Arsenal Riverside. This scheme is in a prime spot to witness the area’s gentle transition to a peaceful riverside community.
1. Urban rejuvenation
From rise to decline to rise again, this historic South East London town formerly part of Kent, is now enjoying a housing boom of over 5,000 new homes. With the arrival of Crossrail and a sustained community and commercial effort to transform an area once in decline, Woolwich is only set to increase in popularity as it matures into a neighbourhood fitting for the demands of the centrally working Londoner.
2. Crossrail Connectivity
In just three years time, Crossrail will give the Woolwich community direct access to key London hubs such as:
Canary Wharf - Currently 18 minutes away from Woolwich Arsenal (8 minutes after Crossrail)
Paddington - 24 minutes (future Crossrail service)
New pedestrian routes and a public square linking Royal Arsenal to the town centre, will mean locals have everything on their doorstep. And just three stops to Greenwich on the DLR, Woolwich will become an anchor to wider cultural and economic areas around South East London as a well as a neighborhood in its own right.
Here’s a few snippets of what Woolwich has to offer its rising community:
3. Gastro pubs, restaurants and cafes
Dial Arch described as “A jewel in Woolwich” by TripAdvisor
HopStuff - described by City AM as one of the great success stories of SMEs working with housing developers to create an authentic edge to new communities.
The Taproom- With its arrival imminent, this independently owned brewery promises great beers and tasty sourdough pizza.
Further cafes and restaurants are on their way to Royal Arsenal Riverside including the Geronimo restaurant.
4. Woolwich farmers’ market
Woolwich’s first ever farmers’ market was a sell out this July 2015- reflecting the huge demand for traditional, quality local produce.
When and where is it? Every second Saturday of each month, 10am-3pm, on No. 1 Street.
5. Museums, sights & activities-galore
Firepower Royal Artillery Museum- Learn about the intriguing history of artillery, the evolution of war strategy and how Woolwich has shaped generations of warfare. Travel 14 minutes by DLR where you'll find clipper ship the Cutty Sark, the ornate Old Royal Naval College, National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory and The 02.
All of this is within walking distance of the River Thames and one of Notting Hill Housing’s newest mixed regeneration schemes Drummond House.
Image accredited to Stu Mayhew via Flickr. Original image here