Woolwich listed buildings to be developed into homes

The project, submitted by PPM Planning Limited, would include 485 co-living rooms alongside 20 flats.

The homes would be spread across six blocks and stretch up to six storeys tall, with space being reserved for community and office use, shops and restaurants.

A public square is also planned which would connect Thomas Street, Polytechnic Street and Wellington Street.

A view of the public square planned for the site (Credit: BB Partnership Ltd / PPM Planning Limited)

Access to this new space would be improved by demolishing two buildings on the site on Thomas Street and Wellington Street respectively.

The site includes seven locally listed structures as well as the Grade II listed original building for the University of Greenwich.

The structure, known as the former Woolwich Polytechnic Building, dates back to 1891 and has sat empty for over 20 years after teaching ceased in 2002 following the university’s move to the Royal Naval College three years earlier.

Two Grade II listed extensions to the original structure, the Gymnasium and Rotunda, also sit on the site and date back to the late 19th century and early 20th century respectively.

Designs for the project have been informed by consultations with the Greater London Authority and various council departments.

Greenwich Council officers noted in their report that the scheme could cause some harm to the historical fabric of the area, but felt that the renewed use for the building outweighed such concerns.

Typical co-living rooms in the scheme would include en-suite bathrooms and kitchenettes. Communal facilities would include a gym, cinema and 24-hour concierge.

The 20 flats in the project are planned to be made available for social rent, with the developer offering an additional £5 million to the authority for affordable housing to be sourced elsewhere in the borough.

Council documents said: “Overall, it is considered that the layout and legibility of the proposal responds positively to the wider context and is considered to be of good design.

"The proposal would provide new routes through the site and the landscaping and public realm would be well-designed, providing a welcoming and attractive environment. An appropriate level of active frontages will generate liveliness and interest.”

The proposal will be considered by Greenwich Council’s Planning Board at a meeting on November 12.