An ambitious multi-million pound “creative quarter” in Woolwich could begin to open from Winter next year, according to a new report.

The Woolwich Creative District will have five historic wartime buildings redeveloped into artistic performance spaces, a courtyard, market area and exhibition zones.

Planning permission has been granted for the first phase of the redevelopment, which the council says will be split between temporary and permanent restorations.

The final scheme – hoped to rival the likes of the South Bank – will include a 450 seat theatre, 600 seat performance courtyard as well as rehearsal studios, offices, restaurants and community spaces.

Opening

According to a new report, the district could start to open from December 2019.

Planning officers, who will present an update on the scheme on Thursday, said in a new report: “Opening dates are dependent upon finalising construction timetables but are currently estimated to allow Punchdrunk to open in December 2019 with the other buildings opening in Spring 2020.”

Punchdrunk, an immersive theatre company, are one of three tenants that are currently negotiating with the council to take on space in the district.

Other creative companies that could be making an appearance include an international dance foundation, led by a “world famous ballet dancer” and Europe’s only professional black, Asian and ethnic minority orchestra.

Controversy

So far the council’s planning board has approved plans for buildings 17, 18, 19 and, contentiously, building 41.

That building had been home to the Greenwich Archive Centre before its sudden closure earlier this year, and users had concerns that future spaces for the historic archive would be insufficient.

The trust running the centre has been promised space once the final development is complete.

The report explains: “Greenwich Heritage Trust is in the process of moving from building 41 to a tailor made interim facility which will offer climate controlled conditions for the protection of artefacts and archive material.

“The Heritage Trust will also be considering the council’s offer of returning to the Royal Arsenal in Building 18.”

An application for building 40, known as The Boardroom, is set to be agreed on Wednesday night.

Catalyst 

It is hoped that the £31m creative quarter will kickstart regeneration in the riverside town.

Officers said: “The council’s ambition for the creative district is for it to lead the transformation of Woolwich and act as a catalyst for regeneration.

“It is proposed that these buildings will provide a home for a range of cultural

organisations that will bring visitors to Woolwich and provide an exciting and

diverse offer both for them and existing Greenwich residents.

“The vision for the Woolwich Creative District seeks to build a creative hub that breaks down the traditional barriers between what is seen as that traditional model for cultural activities and mainstream ‘mass culture’.

“A key objective is to ensure that economic and social value is delivered locally.”

What will be there?

The final project will have converted the old munitions buildings into a 2,000 capacity music hall, exhibition space and an improved courtyard.

Bars and cafes have also been included in the project, along with rehearsal and dance stuidios and space for an outdoor market.

The report explains: “The buildings were held by the Royal Artillery on 300 year leases to develop and present the Firepower! national museum.

“The buildings are subject to restrictive use. Were the creative district not to proceed the council would incur significant costs and may not be able to dispose of the buildings.”