Woolwich Approves New Tower Blocks and Student Accommodation Developments
Woolwich is buzzing with new developments, including student halls and hotels. Residents are excited but concerned about the impact on local infrastructure and affordability.
Woolwich, London, Student Accommodation, Tower Blocks, Development, Greenwich
Woolwich: Royal Arsenal Riverside is one of many new housing projects in this southeast London town. The area is booming, especially with the new Elizabeth line station cutting travel time to the City.
Woolwich is really transforming. Right across from the new riverside apartments, you’ll find the old Riverside House offices, which are set for redevelopment.
These offices, now artist studios, look pretty worn out. But they have a lot of space, so it’s no wonder they won’t stay that way for long.
Recently approved plans will turn the 14-storey building into 332 student rooms, while a nearby low-rise will become a Holiday Inn. The developer, CityInc, is eager to get started and hopes to welcome students in under three years.
At the same meeting, another developer got the green light for a new 12-storey student tower on Beresford Street. This will be right next to another student block currently under construction.
Cllr Sandra Bauer believes Woolwich is on its way to becoming a “student town again.”
Laurence, a council worker in Woolwich for over two decades, shared his thoughts. He’s seen a lot of changes and doesn’t mind students, as long as they behave.
However, he worries about the lack of infrastructure like GPs and hospitals. “It puts a lot of pressure on the communities that are already here,” he said.
Just last week, another big development was proposed for the high street, including a 23-storey apartment block near the leisure centre. New buildings are popping up everywhere in Woolwich.
Judy, a retired legal secretary from Shooters Hill, is curious about who can afford these new places. She loves living in the area but fears young people might get priced out.
“I’m lucky to have my own house,” she said. “But young people? I tell them to go abroad. Here, people work all day just to pay bills, with nothing left over. It feels so unfair.”