A £290m regeneration scheme by Lovell has been given the go-ahead by Royal Borough of Greenwich to build 766 quality new homes in Woolwich.
The six-year project will see Lovell develop the former Morris Walk North and South estates into a mix of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom houses and apartments. The two new developments, to be called Trinity Park and Trinity Rise, will provide affordable and private sale homes, alongside associated landscaped communal amenity spaces, play spaces, parking and non-residential usage.
Royal Borough of Greenwich appointed Lovell in 2013 as its development partner for the £398m One Woolwich programme, which will see the partnership housing specialist redevelop three older estates in the area. The first phase — Trinity Walk in the centre of Woolwich — has now been completed and built over 750 new homes. In total, the redevelopment plan will deliver 1,615 new homes over a 13-year regeneration programme.
Lovell says its exciting developments will transform the area and regenerate the obsolete housing estate creating new jobs and inward investment. The regeneration will also benefit from £8m of Section 106 contributions.
The new schemes will provide a high-quality inclusive design which are sympathetic to the surrounding area, strengthening the visual connection across the rail line and providing green links to Maryon Park, which will also benefit from financial contributions for improvements.
The scale and form of the new buildings respond to the existing homes in the immediate context and integrate new green squares for people to meet and play.
Nearly half of all the new accommodation will be family homes and each individual home meets or exceeds Private Amenity Space requirements, offering a variety of homes that respond to the needs of future residents. Unusually for a London new-build development, there will also be a large number of houses built at Trinity Park and Trinity Rise.
Lovell has been developing the scheme collaboratively with officers at Royal Borough of Greenwich and its Design Review Panel since 2019.
Apartment buildings will be up to 13 storeys in height and boast PV panels, with the taller apartment blocks located along the railway edge. Smaller scale housing will be located to the south of the site ensuring that the scale of the homes sit comfortably with the heights of the existing neighbouring buildings. The design also incorporates podium car parking to reduce on street car dominance and create a more pedestrian friendly environment.
In total, the two schemes will provide a total of 253 affordable homes, including 177 affordable rent and 76 shared ownership homes.
Stuart Gibbons, Lovell’s Regional Manager Director, London and Southern, said: “We are now looking forward to getting underway on another major regeneration scheme for Woolwich which will deliver hundreds of energy efficient new homes to the borough whilst also driving job creation, apprenticeships and economic growth over the next six years. There aren’t many new schemes in London which are building this many family homes.”
Stuart added: “The Lovell vision is to create high-quality schemes with a strong sense of place and community. Our approach will ensure the new homes enhance existing connections to local communities, shared facilities, health, transport links and other infrastructure.
“Lovell was chosen for its flexibility and collaborative approach to long term partnership. We are proud of what we have achieved so far with our partnership with Royal Borough of Greenwich at Trinity Walk in Woolwich. These fantastic new homes will provide further opportunity for people living and working locally to live in these homes at accessible prices.”
Cllr Anthony Okereke, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Our joint Woolwich Estates regeneration programme with Lovell has already delivered 684 high-quality homes including 238 affordable ones at Trinity Walk on the former Connaught Estate. I can’t wait to welcome even more residents into brand new homes, they can be truly proud of, when Trinity Park and Trinity Rise are finished too. This is a huge opportunity to help us meet demand for housing in the borough.”
Cllr Denise Scott-McDonald, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Good Growth, commented: “This is another major milestone in the redevelopment of three estates in Woolwich to build over 1,500 new homes. The transformation of the former Morris Walk Estate is great news for local people.
“The previous houses and flats were in poor condition, but they will be replaced with high-quality new homes. Over a third will be affordable housing, for rent or shared ownership, and all set within attractive landscaping with green links to Maryon Park.”
Mick Laws, Development and Precommencement Director at Lovell London, added: “This is an exciting regeneration programme for the area and will not only provide new homes but much needed inward investment and jobs. Lovell is dedicated to building the proposed homes and working closely with Royal Borough of Greenwich throughout the process.”
Richard Harvey, Partner at PRP said: “We are proud to have led a truly collaborative process with Lovell and the Royal Borough of Greenwich to re-imagine the future of Morris North and South, creating two diverse and contextually integrated neighbourhoods that are rich in character and in high-quality amenities. We are excited to have already started the technical design and are committed to the delivery and success of the fantastic new homes and of the wider regeneration.”
Demolition work on the Morris Walk north and south started in July 2020 and it is anticipated that the construction on the main build will look to commence in early 2022.
Header image shows a CGI of Trinity Rise
