Woolwich was tipped as one of London’s ‘up and coming’ neighbourhoods for a number of years. But it’s only recently been catapulted into the spotlight – namely thanks to the colossal Royal Arsenal Riverside development, and hotly anticipated in-construction properties such as Callis Yard and Trinity Walk.
Living in Woolwich
An eclectic mix of listed buildings and contemporary new-build flats, Woolwich offers bucketloads of culture, housing to suit every price point, and a first-rate gastronomic offering – so its growing popularity is no real mystery.
Where is Woolwich?
Woolwich is a riverside district in London’s south-east, set in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. It’s three miles east of the borough’s namesake city centre and, although lesser known than its historical neighbour, it brags just as much in the way of architecture and heritage. The Woolwich area postcode is SE18.
Woolwich history
The history books chart Woolwich as a settlement area since way back in the Medieval times, but its military and naval connections began in 1512, when Henry VIII ordered the Royal Dockyard to be built. In the years that followed notable new establishments included The Royal Arsenal, The Royal Military Academy, The Royal Horse Artillery and The Woolwich Dockyard.
Buying and renting in Woolwich
Many of Woolwich’s historical buildings have been converted into modern new homes. Royal Arsenal Riverside is the area’s most talked-about transformation – a Berkeley project covering some 88 acres. It neighbours the Thames, Woolwich’s duo of stations (and upcoming Crossrail stop) and has a buzzing retail and leisure hub at its centre. There are some 5,000 homes here, made up of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and a selection of luxury suites and penthouses.
“Really good. Quiet happy place with great amenities. Great community spirit. The area has lots of great extra benefits including an onsite gym and local sports groups. The area is very safe with lots of parking and gated areas.” – Heena, verified resident at Royal Arsenal Riverside
“Riverside development with great transport links and easy access. Developing area with cultural sites cropping up and new attractions coming to the local area. Varied properties to suit all likes and needs and prices.” – Gbrangers 24, verified resident at Royal Arsenal Riverside
The Royal Herbert Pavilions was previously the Royal Herbert Hospital. It was built in 1865 to treat the wounded military, and Florence Nightingale was involved in its inception. The hospital closed in the Seventies and reopened as luxury flats in 1995.
“The converted apartments have retained much of the site’s traditional character, and flaunt high ceilings and sash windows. Floorplans cover one, two and three bedrooms. The décor will vary in these long-established homes, but all residents enjoy views of the immaculately tended grounds surrounding the property – there are acres of gardens and parkland here, ripe for jogging and gentle strolls.” – HomeViews Property Pro on Royal Herbert Pavilions
Then there’s The Academy – once the Royal Military Academy. This peaceful Durkan property overlooks Woolwich Common and pairs stunning period features with easy access to town.
Those looking for something more contemporary in SE18 should consider Woolwich Central – an aptly named Spenhill scheme comprising of 259 apartments, with a Tesco Superstore onsite.
Things to do in Woolwich
Nightlife in Woolwich is centred on the area’s selection of gastropubs, which offer typically British menus, quality craft beers and cosy interiors.
By day, Beresford Square Market draws the crowds – a myriad of stalls serving up sizzling street food, vintage jewellery pieces and everything in between. And don’t miss the Woolwich Farmers’ Market on the second and last Saturday of every month. It’s hosted at Artillery Square in the Royal Arsenal Riverside development.
High street favourites like Boots and M&S line up on Woolwich High Street, which is set a little way back from the Thames. There’s also a good line in independents here – take your pick from long-standing butchers, fishmongers and grocers.
Woolwich Creative District
£31.79 million is currently being invested into a new arts and culture hub in Woolwich. The project involves the creation of new theatre and rehearsal space, artists’ studios, an outdoor performance venue and new retail outlets, and is set to open in 2020. Punchdrunk is one of the esteemed theatre companies rumoured to be making the move here.
Woolwich transport
Two stations service the Woolwich area – Woolwich Arsenal and Woolwich Docklands. Both are on the DLR and Southeastern North Kent lines, and provide links to the likes of Charing Cross, London Bridge, Greenwich and Stratford. Alternatively, Woolwich residents can catch the ferry across the Thames – it’s free of charge and operates every few minutes.
The biggest news in Woolwich transport, though, is the all-new Elizabeth line, which will transport commuters via a Woolwich station stop to the likes of Canary Wharf in eight minutes, Tottenham Court Road in 14 and Bond Street in 22.
Find out more about living in Woolwich by reading residents’ reviews on HomeViews. Can’t see your Woolwich development listed on the site? Click here to add a new one and tell others about your new-build Woolwich home.
