Plans to convert Meridian House into flats

Greenwich Council has received plans to convert its old town hall, called Meridian House, into a set of 73 flats.

The proposal, sent by Riverlow Group, would see the roof of the building on Greenwich High Road being extended to accommodate the new homes.

Council documents said 21 per cent of the new flats would be “affordable”. Space would also be provided for shops on the ground floor, which would created 62 new jobs.

Meridian House, as seen on Greenwich High Road. Credit: JTP / Riverlow Group

Planning documents from JTP on behalf of the Riverlow Group said the development also hopes to make the clock tower observation deck available for the public to visit.

The plans said the tower has been inaccessible for over 50 years due to health and safety issues.

Council officers said in their report: “Members of the public shall be granted recreational access to the viewing gallery within the clock tower free of charge on at least 4 occasions per year for the lifetime of the development.

"Prior to the occupation of the development, details of the management plan to facilitate public access to the clock tower viewing gallery shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the [council].”

Council documents said Meridian House is a Grade II listed building and was built in 1939, serving as the town hall until 1965.

The building was later used by the Greenwich School of Management before it entered administration in 2019, and has remained empty ever since.

Historic England described the building as “iconic” and felt the extension would have a considerable impact on the structure.

The body said in its response: “In our view, the proposals would negatively affect a key element of the building’s significance – specifically its striking composition, which is central to its architectural interest and the original design intent… Due to the extent of the harm we have identified, Historic England is unable to support the proposals.”

The plans for the building have received 124 letters of support from locals following several rounds of consultation last year.

Neighbours praised the building being repurposed to provide housing in the borough and felt it would help deter anti-social behaviour around the empty structure.

Council officers added: “It is considered that the proposal would cause less than substantial harm to the Grade II Listed Meridian House and this harm would be outweighed by the public benefits of the proposal.

"The proposed mixed use redevelopment of the site is considered the only viable means of securing the long term conservation of the heritage asset.”

The application to convert Meridian House into a set of flats will be discussed at a planning board meeting for Greenwich Council on October 17.