EAST Greenwich's £225m regeneration scheme has been officially launched, with the first phase of work set to finish next summer.

The former site of Greenwich District Hospital - which closed down more than a decade ago - has been rebranded as Greenwich Square and will eventually include 645 new homes ranging from flats to terraced houses.

At a launch event on April 17, developers Hadley Mace promised guests a new large public square surrounded by cafes and restaurants along with entry to the new Greenwich Centre - set to include a council customer service centre, swimming pools and a gym.

Chief operating officer of Mace Investments David Grover said: "This long-awaited investment into East Greenwich has finally been realised in a development that will demonstrate the benefits of public-private consortium and bring regeneration to the community.

"I am delighted to be part of this scheme and am confident it will reflect the advantages of collaboration and the positive impact it can have on the development of a significant but under-utilised area of London."

Construction of the Vanbrugh Hill site had been delayed for years but the first phase should be finished by next July, with a further four stages to come and completion expected in 2018.

Leader of Greenwich Council Councillor Chris Roberts said: "We had an original vision for this key strategic site to be developed and it’s great to see, now several years on, that work is forging ahead. It is providing much needed quality new housing and first class new facilities for local residents.

"When complete, it will offer residents a brand new leisure centre, larger library, improved access to health services and a much better, more efficient way to access all council services through an integrated service centre."

The project is supported by the Greater London Authority, Greenwich Council, London & Quadrant and NHS Greenwich.

Hadley Mace is a joint venture between Hadley Property Group and Mace, the company behind The Shard.

For details visit the website.