Greenwich Peninsular

The Greenwich Peninsular masterplan describes a significant mixed-use riverside development on the north bank of the Thames in Woolwich, just south of the O2 arena. The masterplan aims to create a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable neighborhood that balances housing, employment, and high-quality public spaces. The site is divided into several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and grain, linked by a coherent network of streets and pedestrian routes.

Location and Scale

The development occupies a large riverside site in Woolwich, which has been a historically industrial area. The masterplan proposes a high-density, mixed-use scheme that will provide thousands of new homes, significant employment space, and a wide range of retail and leisure facilities. The site is bordered by the Thames to the south and the existing urban fabric of Woolwich to the north and east.

Planning Context and Objectives

The masterplan aligns with the London Plan and the Greenwich Peninsular Opportunity Area (GPAO) framework. Key objectives include:

  • Providing a high-quality public realm that is safe, accessible, and welcoming.
  • Delivering a mix of affordable and market housing to create a diverse community.
  • Creating a range of employment opportunities, including office, retail, and leisure space.
  • Enhancing the riverside with a new public walk and improved views.
  • Promoting sustainable transport and a walkable, pedestrian-friendly environment.
  • Integrating biodiversity and green infrastructure throughout the site.

Design Principles and Public Realm

The masterplan is underpinned by several core design principles:

  • Walkability: The site is designed so that most residents can walk to shops, services, and transport links within a short distance.
  • Pedestrian-first public realm: Pedestrian routes are prioritized and clearly defined, with generous pavements and safe crossings.
  • Neighborhood grain: Each neighborhood has a different scale and building typology, creating variety and avoiding a monolithic feel.
  • Riverside views: Buildings along the Thames are set back to preserve views and create a new riverside promenade.
  • Green corridors: A network of green spaces and corridors links the different parts of the site and supports biodiversity.

Key Components

The masterplan includes several major components:

  • The Greenwich Peninsular Walk: A new public promenade along the riverside that provides views of the Thames and links the different parts of the development.
  • Housing: A mix of market and affordable housing, including apartments, terraced houses, and larger family homes.
  • Employment space: A range of office, retail, and leisure space, including a major new retail parade.
  • Transport links: The site is well-served by the Jubilee Line extension at Woolwich, and the masterplan includes a network of bus and cycle routes.
  • Education and community facilities: A new primary school and several community buildings will serve the new population.

Transport and Connectivity

The masterplan emphasizes sustainable transport. The site is a short walk from the Jubilee Line extension at Woolwich, which provides fast links to central London and the O2 arena. The masterplan also includes a network of bus and cycle routes that connect the development to the wider London transport network. The pedestrian-first design of the public realm encourages walking as the primary mode of travel within the neighborhood.

Sustainability and Biodiversity

The masterplan incorporates several sustainability measures:

  • BREEAM Excellent: All new buildings will be designed to a high standard of energy efficiency and environmental performance.
  • Biodiversity net gain: The masterplan aims to deliver a measurable improvement in biodiversity compared to the site's baseline condition.
  • Green infrastructure: The network of green spaces and corridors will support wildlife and help to mitigate the urban heat island effect.
  • Low-carbon design: Buildings will use low-carbon materials and energy-efficient systems.

The Greenwich Peninsular masterplan sets a high standard for riverside development in London, creating a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable neighborhood that will benefit residents and the wider city for generations to come.

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