Woolwich could be set for a major redevelopment

A council document revealed hopes to improve a part of Woolwich which “looks and feels run down” but it also outlines obstacles in the way.

Spray Street in the heart of Woolwich is at the centre of the plans, and could get a new cinema, houses, shops and restaurants if plans were approved by the local authority.

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But council officers have warned a compulsory purchase order may need to be invoked to allow the council to “take legal ownership of the land”.

Spray Street, which could be in for redevelopment, has this stain down the side of one of its buildings (photo: Kiro Evans)

The process is long and could involve a public inquiry and providing financial compensation to the other parties involved.

In the document outlining the challenges, council officers acknowledged the difficulties.

They write: “The council is aware it is not just about buying property – for some it is their home or business and as such the council wants to be sure it is helping those people as best it can to continue to live and work by helping them relocate.

“The council cares about all people in the area, particularly as many of them who live and work there now are from groups who tend to be more disadvantaged.

"Councils by law have to consider how certain groups of people are affected by a council decision such as this and take action to ensure they are not unfairly or disproportionately disadvantaged by the process.”

Council officers believe this part of Woolwich 'looks and feels run down' (photo: Kiro Evans)

Spray Street is close to Beresford Square, Burrage Road and Plumstead Road and is also known as the Woolwich Exchange.

Woolwich town centre is designated as an “opportunity area” in the 2015 London Plan and Royal Borough of Greenwich core strategy from 2014.

The document said the Council wanted to make the area more attractive to live, work and have fun.

It adds: “This part of Woolwich… could look better and create more jobs, energy efficient homes and uses such as a cinema, restaurants, shops and offices that make Woolwich town centre a better place to be. In short, better use of this land could be made to provide many of the things people need and want.”

The report concludes that the “wider public interest” of regenerating Woolwich trumps “private right”, but adds it is a difficult decision and reasonable steps will be taken.

The cabinet will meet on Wednesday (March 23) to decide whether to invoke the compulsory purchase order.

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