The government’s housing minister, Matthew Pennycook, who is also the MP for Greenwich and Woolwich, has reaffirmed his strong support for the ambitious regeneration of Woolwich Estates and the broader housing delivery efforts underway in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. This endorsement followed a visit to the site, where Pennycook was accompanied by Cllr Majid Rahman, the council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, Estate Renewal and Development, allowing them to observe progress firsthand on the transformation of the former Connaught, Morris Walk, and Maryon Grove estates.

The regeneration scheme, now collectively branded as Woolwich Estates, is set to deliver 1,615 new homes, over half of which are affordable. Of these, 700 are designated for social rent, including 241 council homes, part of a wider effort to alleviate local housing pressures by providing a diverse range of homes from one-bedroom flats to larger family houses. To date, 684 homes have been completed in the first three phases, with a further 766 under construction in phases four and five. The final stage, focusing on Maryon Grove, will add 165 homes—80% of which will cater to social rent—with construction starting this year and completion anticipated by 2028.

Matthew Pennycook praised the council’s progress as a critical contribution to tackling the housing crisis locally and across London, noting that Greenwich led the capital in starting new affordable homes last year. He commended both the council and its development partners for their pivotal role, emphasizing the programme’s significance in supporting the government’s broader social and affordable housing ambitions.

Cllr Majid Rahman, speaking about his personal connection to the area, underscored the importance of delivering quality affordable housing alongside public realm improvements that benefit both new and existing communities. He highlighted the council’s commitment not only to reducing housing waiting lists but also ensuring the homes provided meet high standards of quality and sustainability, facilitated by their partnership with developer Lovell.

The developer’s perspective was voiced by Chris Wallace, Construction Director at Lovell Partnerships. He described the project as one of significant scale and ambition, reinforcing their commitment to creating mixed-tenure communities that go beyond simple housing delivery to foster places where residents can put down roots and thrive. With over 600 homes completed and more underway, Lovell is preparing for the final phase with a continued focus on quality, partnerships, and community development.

Background context reveals that the redevelopment aligns with wider regeneration initiatives in Woolwich. For instance, Pollard Thomas Edwards secured planning permission in 2014 for 1,548 new homes in the area, aiming to transform it into a mixed-tenure neighbourhood with around 35% affordable and shared ownership housing. This scheme also incorporates extensive green spaces to enhance connectivity with surrounding areas. Additionally, the Woolwich Exchange project, led by Notting Hill Genesis, aims to deliver 801 new homes, including 158 affordable units, alongside new community and business facilities—further highlighting Woolwich’s transformation into a vibrant, sustainable urban hub.

The regeneration of Woolwich forms part of the Woolwich Opportunity Area, where since 2004 more than 3,000 new homes have been completed with approximately one quarter designated as affordable. This long-term housing strategy is anchored in the London Plan and supported by strategic housing land assessments, reflecting the capital’s commitment to balanced urban growth.

A significant development in the Woolwich Estates project was the council’s purchase of an additional 265 flats from Lovell Partnerships in 2022 for £87.5 million. This acquisition notably increased the percentage of social housing within the scheme from 35% to 63%. Funded through a mix of housing revenue capital, receipts from the right to buy scheme, and borrowing, this move underlined the council’s dedication to expanding genuinely affordable homes on the estate. These properties, spanning from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom houses, also meet stringent low carbon emission standards, incorporating thermal efficiency and low energy features to reduce tenants’ utility costs.

Together, these coordinated efforts by the government, local authorities, and developers aim not just to provide new homes but to reshape Woolwich into a sustainable, accessible community with ample affordable housing, enhanced public spaces, and strong community integration.

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Source: Noah Wire Services