Greenwich & Lewisham Weekender - March 18th 2026 by CommunityMattersMedia

ENDING MALE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS.

Across the UK, there are over one million crimes of violence against women and girls (VAWG) reported every year, with 95% of all victims of sexual assault being women and girls.

First summit to tackle health insecurity hosted in Greenwich

Where you live, the job you have and the opportunities available to you can all affect your health. In Royal Greenwich, leaders and community partners are working together to change that.

The borough recently hosted its first Health Equity Summit, bringing together partners from across the council, the NHS, community organisations and the voluntary sector. Held at Woolwich Works, the event focused on one shared goal: tackling the unfair differences in health that affect residents across the borough.

The summit built on the council’s latest Annual Public Health Report, which explores how everyday factors such as housing, employment, education and access to healthy food shape people’s health and wellbeing.

By bringing organisations together in one place, the summit created space to share ideas, learn from each other and identify practical ways to improve health outcomes for local people.

Read more: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/health-equity-summit

That’s why the council has developed a first of a kind strategy to outline what it is doing to end male violence against women and girls. The strategy was created from real experiences and needs of survivors of abuse following a public consultation, held last year.

The council is taking a preventative approach to tackle the root causes of sexism and male violence against women, empowering men and boys to act as allies. Our seven key priorities include:

• Supporting victims and survivors.

• Allyship and community engagement, working with employers, sports clubs, bars and pubs, and community organisations.

• Male accountability and behaviour change.

• Prevention and education in schools, workplaces and the community.

• Using our legal powers to protect women and girls.

• Enhancing safety measures in public spaces.

• Intersectionality and inclusivity - to make sure our support services are for all victims of violence, including men, boys and children.

You can read the full strategy online: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/VAWG-strategy

TheGreenwich & Lewisham Weekender is an independent weekly newspaper, covering the boroughs of Greenwich and Lewisham.

We publish every Wednesday, covering every postcode sector of the borough, and boasting, by far, the highest weekly circulation in Greenwich. Each week, we deliver our paper to every Greenwich neighbourhood, with further copies stocked at convenient public stands. We are also the highest distribution newspaper in Lewisham.

You can also view each edition online, as well as daily news and events, on our website: www.weekender.co.uk

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Issue: GLW456

Pick of the Week

by Evie Flynn

CELEBRATE ORGAN MUSIC IN A STRIKING CHAPEL IN GREENWICH

The Chapel of St Peter and St Paul is hosting an evening of organ music on Friday 20 March. Following a restoration, the chapel’s 235-year-old restored organ will be brought back to life. Originally installed in 1789 by Samuel Green, the organ is recognised by historians for its musical signiﬁcance. The concert offers an opportunity to experience the powerful sound in the historic setting of the chapel. The music will be performed by the Chapel Choir of Trinity Laban, with Alexander Knight at the organ. The organ is thought to be the largest of Samuel Green’s and remains in its original position. The Queen Mary Undercroft Bar will be open during the interval, with drinks available to purchase. All proﬁts from the evening will be in support of the work of the Old Royal Naval College.

Date: Friday 20 March

Time: 18:00 – 19:30

Location: Chapel of St Peter and St Paul, King William Walk, Greenwich, London, SE10 9NN

Tickets: £22.50 adults, £5 children and £10 students https://ornc.org/whats-on/a-celebration-of-organ-music-in-the-chapel/

BIG BILL’S COMEDY NIGHT IN WOOLWICH

Comedy fans in south-east London have a new night to look forward to with Big Bill’s Comedy Night on Friday 20 March. Hosted by rising comedian Bilal Rashid, the event promises an evening of bold humour and some of the most exciting voices on the UK comedy circuit. Known for his razor-sharp punchlines, Rashid is quickly establishing himself as one of London’s standout new comics. Each show sees him bring together a hand-picked line-up featuring an acclaimed headliner alongside a mix of established acts and emerging talent. Many performers have appeared on hit TV programmes such as Live at the Apollo, QI and Mock the Week. With fresh line-ups each month, Big Bill’s Comedy Night is becoming a regular highlight for the comedy scene in Woolwich. The event is for audiences aged 18 and over.

Date: Friday 20 March

Time: 20:00 – 22:30

Location: Woolwich Works (Beanfeast), 11 No.1 Street, Woolwich, London, SE18 6HD

Tickets: £13.50 (concessions available)

INTERACTIVE

Experience a Jamaican Jazz band, fresh from their residency at the Effra Hall Tavern in Brixton, at Woolwich Works on Friday 20 March. The Effra Band have played with musical legends from The Specials, Jools Holland, PJ Harvey and other well-known Reggae and Jazz artists. They return to Woolwich Works after a sold out performance last year and will be joined by local musicians.

Date: Friday 20 March

Time: 19:30, doors open at 18:30

Location: Woolwich Works, The Fireworks Factory, 11 No. 1

Street London SE18 6HD

Tickets: £17, concessions £9.50

https://www.woolwich.works/events/effra-band

Boppin’ Bunnies is back at Woolwich Works for young children to make noise alongside the musicians from Boppin’ Bunnies on Saturday 21 March. The show is fully interactive so children can join in with the maracas, drums and percussion instruments. It’s a chance for the whole family to get involved, from babies, toddlers, parents and older siblings. Older children are also invited to assist their younger siblings throughout the show. Suitable for ages 0 – 5 years.

Date: Saturday 21 March. Time: 10:45 -11:30

Location: Woolwich Works, The Fireworks Factory, 11 No. 1 Street London SE18 6HD

Price: £6 per adult, £12 per child

https://www.woolwich.works/events/boppin-bunnies-march-2026

Woolwich art installation promises unique sensory experience

An impressive walk-through art installation is set to bring senses alive in Woolwich through its manipulation of light and colour, writes Maya Sgaravato-Grant...

Luminarium: Myriad is set to be installed at the Woolwich Works for the first time from the 2nd til the 6th of April.

The monumental inflatable structure, which measures half a football pitch, is made of PVC, which works to filter and reflect natural light. A kaleidoscopic labyrinth of winding paths and towering domes, the Luminarium seeks to inspire a sense of wonder in those who enter it.

Visitors of all ages can spend their time wandering between

New gallery celebrating the world of astronomy to open at National Maritime Museum

A new temporary gallery celebrating space and the world of astronomy is opening at the National Maritime Museum this month, writes Maya Sgaravato-Grant...

Astronomers Take Over will open on 27 March, to the joy of stargazers and science enthusiasts alike. The gallery covers key areas of our Universe, such as Mars, the moon, and stars, and is largely interactive in nature, with visitors having the opportunity to participate in science demonstrations. Test how well you would do at landing a crater on Mars while listening to interviews with figures

such as Sir Brian May and Professor Sanjeev Gupta, who has been involved in several rover missions.

While the Royal Observatory’s permanent planetarium is currently closed for renovation, Astronomers Take Over will feature a pop-up planetarium to tide us over. Shows such as Animals in Space!, which highlights the surprising

impressive columns, or simply sitting and reflecting in peace.

The structure was produced by the iconic Nottingham-based Architects of Air, whose founder, designer and artistic director Alan Parkinson first began creating inflatable sculptures in the 1980s. Parkinson’s work is inspired by the grandeur of Islamic and Gothic architecture, as well as the serenity of natural forms.

Beyond being an installation, the

lunarium will temporarily become a venue in itself, hosting a range of events and activities, from yoga (both adult and baby), to physical comedy shows and drag queen storytimes. ‘Quiet’ sessions will also be held for people who are neurodiverse or have sensory needs, or who simply prefer a calmer atmosphere.

The Luminarium is but one of the many experiences on offer at Woolwich Works, which was named London’s ‘best new culture spot’ by Time Out. The multi-disciplinary cultural hub hosts

a variety of music, theatre, art, dance, and comedy shows and workshops each month, alongside a number of other activities for both adults and for the whole family. With something for everyone, it’s well worth a visit.

Date: Thursday 2 April - Monday 6 April

Time: 12pm - 4pm

Price: Standard £8

Location: The Fireworks Factory, 11 No. 1 Street, London, SE18 6HD Advance tickets available at www.woolwich.works

contribution all species have made to space exploration, seek to inspire a new generation of budding young astronomers, while The Night Sky provides a more classic guide to the cosmos.

Visitors of all ages will also have the chance to meet astronomers from the Royal Observatory Greenwich, who will be able to answer any questions you

may have about space. In addition, a scavenger hunt will allow visitors to discover some of the unusual and unexpected items astronauts have taken into space, including a gorilla suit and a lightsabre.

The gallery will be located just a short walk from many other highlights of Royal Museums Greenwich, such as the iconic 19th century

ship the Cutty Sark as well as the Prime Meridian, making it ideal for a day out with the family.

Date: From Friday 27 March Time: 10am - 5pm Price: £8 for gallery entry only; £16 for access to both gallery and planetarium

Location: National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, Greenwich SE10 9NF

Luminarium: Myriad

A Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomer explains starlight.

(c) National Maritime Museum, Greenwich

West End producer David Hutchinson to co-chair Greenwich Creative Network

West End producer David Hutchinson, who has produced hits such as Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 The Musical and American Idiot, will co-chair the Greenwich Creative Network alongside luxury décor brand CEO Feliciana Dalley, writes Pablo Munoz...

The creative network supports the borough’s Culture Strategy and is co-funded by Arts Council England. It’s objective is to make Greenwich a hub where creativity, innovation and cultural connections can flourish by 2030.

Hutchinson is originally from Scotland, and his first theatre productions in London took place in Greenwich, where he founded Selladoor Worldwide, now a prominent theatre production company. He said: “I’m really excited to be appointed co-chair of the Greenwich Creative Network alongside Feliciana. Having lived here for over a decade, I’ve seen first-hand

the depth of talent and ambition that exists across our creative community.

The potential here is huge.”

Feliciana Dalley is a proud Ravensbourne alumnus, a university based in Greenwich, and says she has been shaped by the area. She said: “Greenwich shaped me, so giving back feels deeply personal.

My mission is to drive, champion and pour back into up-andcoming talent, especially while representing the underrepresented within the creative industries.”

Hutchinson added: “I very much intend to amplify and champion the voices, practitioners and companies that

and

connections that allow

culture to grow and thrive.”

© Royal Borough

Greenwich

make Greenwich such an exciting place creatively,

to support stronger

that

The Greenwich Creative Network is open to anyone working creatively in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, including artists, freelancers, creative small-to-

medium enterprises, grassroots organisations and cultural institutions.

Join the waitlist for Greenwich Creative Network welcome event on Eventbrite.

Co-chairs of the Greenwich Creative Network, Feliciana Dalley and David Hutchinson

Grants open for Greenwich artists and creatives

Applications are open for Create Grants for 2026 to 2027. If you’re a freelancer, group or organisation with an idea for an activity that brings arts and culture to Royal Greenwich residents, apply now for funding.

Create offers grants of up to £3,000, to locally based artists and creatives to deliver both new Community Arts projects and/or Black History 365 (BH365) projects, that support the council’s commitment to the themes of its Culture Strategy: Create, Connect and Flourish.

Councillor Sandra Bauer, Cabinet Member for Equality, Culture and Communities, said: “Through Create, we’re empowering our local creative sector to connect with our communities to produce a diverse range of new artworks across the borough, from performances and public art to exhibitions or spoken and written word. These grants break down barriers to all creative communities towards participating in and accessing arts and culture.

“This year, in support of our Cultural Impact Award programme, we’re looking for projects with a focus on young people – whether that’s as producers, performers, artists or audience members. Two community advisory panels of local people of all ages and backgrounds, will help us assess applications and commission a programme that truly represents the diversity and stories of our borough.

“So, if you’re a young adult aged 18 or above, and you have a brilliant creative idea, or if you want to connect with and put young people at the heart of your artistic project, apply now for Create funding to bring your project to life.”

Previous Create funded events include social sing-a-longs, sensory-friendly exhibitions and writing workshops exploring Black history. In 2026, they are placing particular importance on activities that prioritise young people.

You can apply for a grant to co-design a project that:

• is free for residents to attend or take part in

• brings together diverse communities

• tells new stories or shines a light on hidden creativity

• builds partnerships between artists and community groups

• brings life to public spaces and/ or unusual locations and attracts new and local audiences.

Read guidance notes and apply before 12 noon on Thursday 16 April 2026 at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/create

Greenwich school rocked by Ofsted report turns the corner

St Ursula’s Convent School achieves positive review after old Ofsted report saw it go from ‘outstanding’ to ‘requires improvement’, writes Niall Holden...

St Ursula’s Convent in Greenwich has turned the corner according the latest Ofsted report, which now provides a more detailed account of what’s working well and where its next steps for improvement lie for schools after an inspection.

Just two years ago the formerly “outstanding” girls’ Catholic school was rocked by an Ofsted report of “requires improvement”. It came after the school was involved in a dispute which had seen teachers walk out for 16 days over five months in 2024.

In a report released just last month, the school achieved ‘Expected standard’ in five categories and a ‘Strong standard’ in one.

The school was inspected in six different categories following the 2024 review, with inspectors highlighting ‘turbulence in leadership’.

Major reforms were made in 2024 to Ofsted’s inspection framework nationally, following the death of Berkshire headteacher Ruth Perry. Inspectors can no longer give schools one word ratings such as ‘good’ or ‘inadequate’.

A coroner had ruled that an Ofsted inspection, which downgraded Ruth Perry’s Caversham Primary School in Reading from “outstanding” to “inadequate”, had contributed to her taking her own life.

St Ursula’s Convent school achieved ‘Expected standard’ in ‘attendance and behaviour’, ‘curriculum and teaching’, ‘inclusion’, ‘leadership and governance’, ‘personal development and well being’, while its pupils’ academic achievement was rated as ‘strong standard’.

The Inspectors’ report cited pupils achieving highly across the school, producing consistently strong work and largely performing above the national average at GCSE. Those arriving with gaps in reading, writing or maths ability, receive swift support to help them catch up, according to the report.

It also noted that the school has expectations from its pupils, who ‘respond

with strong achievement, enthusiasm for learning and positive behaviour and that pupils feel proud of their school.’

Inspectors also praised the pace of change and the positive culture now firmly embedded across the school, including singling out the good leadership of headteacher Mark O’Shaughnessy, who joined in 2024.

Mr O’Shaughnessy said: “This vastly improved Ofsted report is a moment of real pride for our school, and a powerful reflection of how far we have come in a short space of time.

“It recognises the dedication of our staff, the resilience and ambition of our students and the shared commitment we have to delivering the very best education. Our community has come together, healed, and now moves forward into a bright future.”

A spokesperson for the governing body added: “The governors are thrilled with the pace of transformation and the rapid progress made. The inspectors recognised the amazing dedication and commitment from the whole school team.”

St Ursula’s Convent School students

Plans to build accommodation for more than 600 students and dozens of new homes in South East London have unanimously been approved, writes

Ruby Gregory, Local Democracy Reporter...

Student accommodation developer, Your Tribe, had submitted plans to build 605 student rooms and 50 ‘affordable’ homes at Sun Wharf beside Deptford Creek.

The development will see existing buildings demolished and replaced with buildings ranging between 3 and 20 storeys. The 50 residential flats will be split into 32 social rent homes while the remaining 18 will be shared ownership homes.

Lewisham Council’s Strategic Planning Committee granted planning permission during a meeting last month.

Previous plans to build 220 homes on site were approved in August 2023, however they have since been scrapped after the developer encountered problems with regulatory changes and viability pressures. Phoebe Juggins from Your Tribe said the development was “sustainable” and of a high quality, and would make “efficient use of a prominently located and underutilised Brownfield site”.

She added: “If students in the area are forced into private rented

Student ﬂats and new homes approved in Deptford

accommodation then this has knock-on issues, available rental properties in Lewisham have declined by 35 per cent in the last decade.”

She went on to say that construction of the student flats will free up around 242 homes in the area. During the public consultation stage, the plans received 61 objections and 253 letters of support.

Two residents who live close to the development site spoke out in objection during Tuesday’s

meeting. One resident who lives in a nearby development said approving the scheme would set “a deeply troubling precedent” because of the lack of daylight and sunlight his home would receive.

Another resident said: “If this development goes ahead as it’s planned, I will essentially lose all natural daylight and the only way I would be able to see the sky is if I physically lean out of the window and look up – it’s like living in a shoebox.

“I’m not opposed to development, I support responsible improvement for this area but what is being proposed is not responsible.”

Dawn Atkinson, a local ward councillor, said: “I am Vice-Chair of the Housing Select Committee so I am fully aware of the housing crisis, as we all are deeply aware and concerned, however I do not feel building specific student accommodation would address the local housing need.

“What is needed very much in

Nine businesses

Deptford is for family homes, student accommodation and student flats are not equal to family homes which is in dire need in Deptford.”

However in their conclusions, planning officers said the public benefits of the scheme outweigh the identified harm such as reductions in sunlight and daylight, and recommended the plans be approved.

When it came to the vote, councillors proceeded to unanimously grant planning permission.

receive £3,000 as they make do and mend

Knitting clubs and mending schools in Lewisham are among nine businesses getting £3,000 from the council Climate Grants programme, writes Pablo Munoz...

The businesses have been awarded Repair, Reuse, Recycle grants which includes additional business monitoring and support, as part of the programme.

The scheme aims to support businesses who help the local community cut waste, take climate action, and save money on bills.

Recipients range from knitting clubs and mending schools to makerspaces and zine printers.

Councillor Ese Erheriene, Cabinet Member for Business, Jobs and Skills,

said: “These grants give businesses the confidence and resources to develop practical solutions that strengthen their operations while contributing to a stronger and more sustainable local economy.”

Among the recipients are The Albany and The Somerville Centre, which plan to introduce environmental awareness in their communities through new reusing practices, and teaching repair skills, respectively.

Other grant recipients like Colechi, Mads Do & Mend, or Make Mee Studio focus on textile repair and

knit work, and Blue Garage, Upcycled Upholstery, and PageMasters focus on reusing waste material for compost, cushions and books.

CatBytes, another recipient of the grant, will refurbish 100 donated laptops and offer lowcost repairs to residents.

Deputy Mayor Louise Krupski, who is also Cabinet Member for Transport, Environment and Climate Action, said: “By investing in local action, we are empowering communities to be more resourceful, cut costs and reduce their environmental impact.

“These projects show what climate action looks like in practice: practical, inclusive and rooted in everyday life. Just as importantly, they demonstrate what’s possible, inspiring others to take action and helping to create the conditions for lasting, community-led change.”

Jamie Greenly, from Make Mee Studio, one of the recipients of the grant

Drummond Rd, Biscuit Factory, SE16 4DG

•

Danny Baker

Natalie William's Soul Family

Bringing power to the people

Mary Mills

As ever on a Saturday I was sitting wondering what to do next week for my Weekender article. For weeks I’d been thinking rather guiltily that I’d never done the Tramshed in Woolwich. I didn’t know an awful lot about it and it seemed very difficult to find out more – well more than who was doing stand up there in 1980!

I was also still thinking about what I did last week - the Land’s End power plant. It was on the Arsenal site, mysterious, and secret. It seems to have begun as a hydraulic power station and ended as an electrical substation. I daresay we’ll find out more about it as time goes on, but it got me thinking about substations - buildings between the power generating works and whatever it is that needs electricity to function. I am very aware here that I’m unfamiliar with the technology and certainly don’t understand the language used about it - but then, I guess, neither do 99% of my readers, so maybe we can all try and find out what was going on in using terms we all understand.

Substations –I realise they come in many shapes and sizes, but I what I wanted to look at here were the small urban buildings which stand in every neighbourhood. There a lots of them and most of them are all the same size, painted dark red and they’re really - and I probably shouldn’t say this - pretty boring. There are various web

sites which claim to list many of them and perhaps one day I should come back and look at them. I want to keep this simple so I will just mention the Geograph web sites – “photograph every grid square” - and note some of their contributors have looked at some local substation examples. https://www.geograph.org.uk/

I checked substations with Greenwich Council’s site on locally listed historic buildings. There are just three substations in the Borough on it. They are: the LESC building in Greenwich High Road, the Tramshed in Woolwich and the railway building in Troughton Road in Charlton.

The LESC building is something which I‘ve written about here several times before, noting it as the only last remaining relic of the world’s first power station at Deptford. It is still in use and it’s just an ordinary square building with ‘LESC’ on the front for ‘London Electricity Supply Corporation’.

The Council’s listing document notes: “ Sub-station of 1891... which

stepped down high voltage power from Deptford Generating Station... unusual survivor from the pioneering days of electrification, which enabled the streets of Greenwich to be lit by electric lighting for the first time, powered at a distance from the first modern – and world’s largest - power station... substantially intact, an evocative example”.

The next one listed is the Woolwich Tramshed, just up the road from Woolwich Station. Woolwich Council bought this building from London Transport in 1960 and it has had a fairly chequered career ever since, mainly being used as a community theatre. Trying to discover its origins is not easy. Searches on the net will find many, many websites of the various entertainers who’ve been there over the years. Describing its history some say it was a power station generating electricity for the trams... well, sort of!

In these articles I’ve mentioned a

booklet several times; SELIA - about the industrial archaeology of South East London and published in 1980.

Yes, it does mention the Tramshed “the former electrical substation of 1900 designed by E. Vincent Harris for the London County Council tramways, misleadingly called ‘the tram shed’.” At least we’ve got the architect’s name even if we haven’t got a clue how they knew what it was. Harris worked for the London County Council at the very start of his career, as a very young man. He went to build many, many civic structures around the country on a monumental scale. Memorably he is reputed, at a dinner for the celebration of his work on his retirement, to have said that he knew that the architectural establishment of the day didn’t like his work and he didn’t much like theirs either... Another example of a tram depot building by him is the rather larger and very much better known one in Rivington Street in Shoreditch. This version is

or was a restaurant, complete with its own Damien Hurst, and described in 2020 by the Guardian as ‘so now’.

Looking for sources of information about the Tramshed – I found something which I had written myself some 20 years ago. To my embarrassment I haven’t got a clue where I got this piece of information from, but what I said was “electricity substation of 1910 for the London County Council tramways ... designed to look good in a prominent area. Inside was a ten ton overhead crane, switchgear and motor generators.” I had also discovered that a substation was needed as a result of a plan to extend the tram routes to Abbey Wood. With the demise of the tram system in the early 1950s in favour of buses, another use could not be found for these electrical infrastructure buildings. I have since found a 1910 report in the local papers of Woolwich Council’s support for the construction of this

 Tramshed Woolwich New Road

 Railway substation Troughton Road

building and it says that the electricity itself would originally have been generated at Greenwich Power Station on the riverside in East Greenwich. Indeed a trench for the cable was being dug along Woolwich Road.

So, what does the Council’s listings page say about it? “Large structure with single storey workshop... dressed up in a handsome Mannerist classical style to diminish bulk... substations needed to be large well-ventilated sheds located at central transport nodes... rare substation associated with tramways... survival in such a prominent central location is highly significant... has an important place in London’s transport history.”

The third listed substation is perhaps a little bit more problematic. It’s the big railway substation in Troughton Road adjacent to Charlton Station. What does the Council’s listing document say? “Built in 1926 on site of

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Charlton station’s coal depot following electrification by the Southern Railway; sited at the end of a single track siding of 1873 which unusually extended into the building. Still in use housing transformers, converters and switchgear... has features designed on a monumental scale, of historic interest recording technological changes to the railway industry”.

In the 1920s the Southern Railway had converted to a v660V-750V DC thirdrail system and relied on a network of substations, often nicknamed “cathedrals” due to their design. I don’t know how many of these exist in our area - I seem to remember a lot more of them - and I am sufficiently ignorant to not even make a guess. There is certainly another one where the railway crosses White Hart Road in Plumstead and that is not listed.

It was apparently a ‘rotary converter station’, which means that it converted

n THE EARLY EAST LONDON GAS INDUSTRY: HOW IT BEGAN AND HOW IT HELPED LONDON INDUSTRIES TO GROW. The gas industry in early 19th century London - all the incompetence and all the scandals. Also explores how gas industry waste products were taken up and used by other industries. £15

n GEORGE LIVESEY - A BIOGRAPHY. The life of South London’s maverick 19th century gas works manager, who forced the privately owned industry to work in partnership with the public and with its workforce. There is nothing in the industry he didn’t change. This is about a man who wanted to change society – but in 1889 got it very wrong. £10. Illustrated. £15

n SHIPBUILDING IN GREENWICH – A shortish run through those who built ships in our borough and what they built on. It covers two Royal Dockyards, to those who built single sailing barges, and those who built into the 1990s. £10

n THE GREENWICH RIVERSIDE – UPPER WATERGATE TO ANGERSTEIN. A siteby-site description of the Greenwich Riverside between Deptford to Charlton. This is not yet another description of Royal Greenwich but looks at riverside communities, industries and river workers – as well less known site histories. £15

incoming power for the railway’s use. In the early 20th century when our local railway lines were electrified the current was distributed from the generating stations – probably from Deptford Power Station. It went to substations that contained transformers, in order to step-down the voltage, and “rotary converters” - huge motor-generators - to convert from alternating to direct current. In the 1940s the Southern Railway developed and used a standard design which had outdoor high-voltage switchgear and transformers, and a mercury-arc rectifier. They went out of use by approximately 1954 and following completion of the “change of frequency” scheme in the London Areathe SR traction network was connected to the national grid at 66kV / 33kv and the introduction of 50Hz mercury-arc rectifier equipment in the substations –enabled the abolition of the 11kV radial

n THE INDUSTRIES OF DEPTFORD CREEK. A siteby-site description of this amazingly busy Creekside between its mouth with the Thames and the Lewisham border. It includes industries of national importance, from the medieval to electronics pioneers - and the downright quirky. £15

n GREENWICH PENINSULA - GREENWICH MARSH. A HISTORY OF AN INDUSTRIAL HEARTLAND. This is a rewrite of my all-time bestseller Greenwich Marsh, to include the Dome. It describes the history of the Marsh and the industries which grew up there in the 19th century, including Enderby Wharf and the telecommunications revolution, as well as the amazing gas works and much else. £10

marymillsmmmmm@gmail.com

HV network. The rotary equipment was removed from the substations and the large holes in the upper floors filled in. Charlton was “downgraded to a TPH in the CoF scheme”. In the rotary subs days these stations were manned 24/7. The equipment would be shut at the end of each day and started up again in the morning. The nights were used for maintenance & cleaning and they were kept spotless. There is one more old substation which I am surprised is not in the list of listed buildings from the Council. I was told about this building some time ago by, much missed, Neil Rhind. I have written already in this series of articles about the Blackwall Point Power Station which was sited at the end of what is now John Harrison Way - and the jetty out in the river now which was its coaling jetty. They had

a contract to power Greenwich trams and they had three substations - one in Crooms Hill, one in Westcombe Hill and one in Blackheath Park. The ones in Crooms and Westcombe Hills are long gone - and I’m not even really sure where exactly they were. The one in Blackheath Park is still there. It is at the back and in the courtilege of the Concert Halls, in Blackheath Park. It is a very substantial building and quite tall. It is marked on old maps as ‘electricity substation’ and appears in them from the early 20th century. I am not sure when it stopped being used, and what its current function is. It is however an impressive building, larger than most such sub stations and with a decorative grille over the door. Why isn’t it listed?

(Thanks to Bob for sourcing technical information used above)

 LESCO Greenwich High Road

 Electricity company substation Blackheath Park

NEWS FROM CHARLTON ATHLETIC

Book now for CACT’s Football Holiday Courses this Easter

Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) are delighted to offer football courses for young people across south-east London and Kent during the upcoming Easter school holidays.

Taking place during the twoweek break in March and April, CACT’s holiday courses will once again provide young people aged 4 to 15 with the opportunity to develop their skills. A range of courses will run between Monday, March 30th and Friday, April 10th across four locations:

• Charlton Athletic’s Training Ground, New Eltham

• Sporting Club Thamesmead

• Bexley Park

• John Wallis Academy (please note these sessions

are taking place between April 8th and April 17th)

All sessions are delivered by FA-qualified CACT coaches. In addition, Charlton men’s and women’s first-team players regularly visit the holiday courses in New Eltham, giving aspiring players the chance to meet and learn from the professionals. In February, it was men’s firstteam duo Conor Coady and Lyndon Dykes who attended a session, with the pair fielding a variety of questions from young players, as well as posing for photographs with participants and signing autographs.

In New Eltham, alongside courses for 4-10 year-olds and 11-15 year-olds, CACT will also be running girls-only courses and a goalkeeper-specific course during the Easter break. As part of the girls-only provision, a two-day development course for girls

aged 12 to 15 will be delivered. This course will run twice each week and will focus on 11-a-side technical and tactical coaching for older players looking to develop their game further. Girls-only courses for players aged 7 to 11 will also run twice each week.

CACT’s Advanced Holiday Courses, tailored to ambitious young footballers competing at Advanced Centre, JPL, Kent Youth League or equivalent levels, will also take place in New Eltham and will provide players with elite-level coaching delivered by UEFA A and B licensed coaches. Sessions focus on technical skills, tactical understanding, physical conditioning and in-game decisionmaking. Each session will run twice per week for five hours, including a short lunch break, and will give players the opportunity to train alongside other highachieving footballers, helping to push their game to the next level.

Sessions at Bexley Park for 4-15 year-olds are also taking place for the first time, expanding CACT’s offering to a new location and providing opportunities for young people in Dartford to take part in structured football sessions delivered by FA-qualified coaches.

Scan the QR Code to book now on CACT’s Easter Football Holiday Courses

ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1) SWITHLAND GARDENS PLANNED ROAD CLOSURE (ORDER)

1. The Royal Borough of Greenwich makes this Order in exercise of powers under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This is to facilitate works by UK Power Networks who need to install a new customer connection.

2. The Order will come into operation on 17th March 2026 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 7 days. The duration of the Order can be extended with the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport.

3. The effect of the Order would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering, exiting, proceeding, or waiting (including waiting for the purposes of loading or unloading), in Swithland Gardens side of No 1 The Knole.

4. Whilst the Order is in operation traffic will be diverted via the placing of the appropriate signage. Prohibitions remain in force; pedestrians are not affected, and vehicle access will be maintained wherever possible.

5. Nothing in this Notice will apply to anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or traffic warden, to emergency service vehicles, or to vehicles being used in connection with the works.

6. The restrictions described above will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by traffic signs as prescribed by the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016.

7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Directorate of Communities, Environment and Central on 020 8921 6340.

Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport. The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ INTERNAL REF - EM/ LA497905 FN879 /LIC No 75745 / 30/01/2026 14:30

ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14(1) KINGS HIGHWAY PLANNED FOOTPATH CLOSURE (ORDER)

1. The Royal Borough of Greenwich intends to make this Order in exercise of powers under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This is to facilitate works by BT Openreach who need to install a new telegraph pole.

2. The Order will come into operation on 31/03/26 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 1 day. The duration of the Order can be extended with the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport.

3. The effect of the Order would be to temporarily prohibit pedestrians from entering, exiting, proceeding, or waiting on the footpath between Kings Highway and Bleak Hill Lane.

4. Whilst the Order is in operation pedestrian traffic will be diverted via the placing of the appropriate signage. Prohibitions remain in force; pedestrians’ access will be maintained wherever possible.

7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Directorate of Regeneration, Enterprise & Skills on 020 8921 6340.

Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport.

The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ

Dated: 19/01/26

INTERNAL REF: PL /LA 497429 FN 874 / 75664

ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14(1) PLUMSTEAD ROAD PLANNED CYCLE LANE CLOSURE (ORDER)

1. The Royal Borough of Greenwich intends to make this Order in exercise of powers under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This is to facilitate works by Thames Water who need to install new water supply pipes.

2. The Order will come into operation on 31/03/26 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 4 days. The duration of the Order can be extended with the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport.

4. Whilst the Order is in operation cyclists will be diverted via the placing of the appropriate signage. Prohibitions remain in force; pedestrians are not affected, and access will be maintained wherever possible.

7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Directorate of Regeneration, Enterprise & Skills on 020 8921 6340.

Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport.

The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ

Dated: 10/02/26

INTERNAL REF: PL / LA 499212 FN 900 / 76018

ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1) WOODVILLE CLOSE PLANNED ROAD CLOSURE (ORDER)

1. The Royal Borough of Greenwich intends to make this Order in exercise of powers under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This is to facilitate works by Erith Connect LTD who need to install a new service connection.

2. The Order will come into operation on 6th April 2026 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 3 weeks. The duration of the Order can be extended with the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport.

3. The effect of the Order would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering, proceeding, or waiting (including waiting for the purposes of loading or unloading), in Woodville Close from outside 39 Hervey Road to side of 27 Woodville Close.

4. Whilst the Order is in operation traffic will not need to be diverted as this is a no through road. Prohibitions remain in force; pedestrians are not affected, and vehicle access will be maintained when required.

7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Directorate of Communities, Environment and Central on 020 8921 6340.

Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport. The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ

Dated: 05/03/2026

ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1)

BLITHDALE ROAD

PLANNED PARKING RESTRICTIONS (ORDER)

1. The Royal Borough of Greenwich makes this Order in exercise of powers under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This is to facilitate works by Guildmore Ltd who need to carry out the connection of new sewer pipes and implement parking restrictions.

2. The Order will come into operation on 23rd March 2026 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 10 days with backup dates scheduled from 6th April 2026 to 15th April 2026. The duration of the Order can be extended with the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport.

3. The effect of the Order would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from parking or waiting (including waiting for the purposes of loading or unloading) in Blithdale Road between house numbers 20 and 42.

4. Whilst the Order is in operation traffic will not need to be diverted Prohibitions remain in force; pedestrians are not affected, and vehicle access will be maintained wherever possible.

7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Directorate of Communities, Environment and Central on 020 8921 6340.

Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport. The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ

INTERNAL REF - EM/ PAPRKING SUSPENSION FN889 /LIC No 75842 / 12/02/2026 09:50

ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1) APPLETON ROAD PLANNED ROAD CLOSURE (ORDER)

1. The Royal Borough of Greenwich makes this Order in exercise of powers under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This is to facilitate works by Thames Water who need to install a District Meter.

2. The Order will come into operation on 23rd March 2026 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 6 days. The duration of the Order can be extended with the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport.

7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Directorate of Communities, Environment and Central on 020 8921 6340.

Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport.

The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ

Dated: 12/12/2025

INTERNAL REF - EM/ LA496491 FN857 /LIC No 75481

ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1) COURT ROAD PLANNED ROAD CLOSURE (ORDER)

2. The Order will come into operation on 24th March 2026 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 1 night (22:00 – 05:00). The duration of the Order can be extended with the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport.

7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Directorate of Communities, Environment and Central on 020 8921 6340.

Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport. The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ

Dated: 05/03/2026

INTERNAL REF - EM/ LA500917 FN897 /LIC No 75977 / 05/03/2026 12:00

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the Royal Borough of Greenwich intends to make an Order to facilitate road marking works in Indus Road.

2. The effect of the Order would be to prohibit vehicles from waiting or loading, at any time, in Indus Road – outside Nos. 68 to 78 (inclusive).

3. The above prohibitions will only apply to such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by the placing or covering of appropriate traffic signs.

4. Nothing in this Notice will apply to anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or traffic warden, to emergency service vehicles, or to persons in connection with the works.

5. The Order would come into force on 30th March 2026 and would be valid for a maximum period of 2 weeks, or until the works have been completed, whichever is the sooner.

6. Queries concerning these works should be directed to traffic-orders@royalgreenwich.gov.uk quoting reference TT2 (26) Indus Road –road markings.

Note: Signage will be placed in advance of any works which would give more specific details on the exact dates of the prohibitions and the effects of any temporary traffic management.

Director of Communities, Environment and Central The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, London SE18 6HQ

Dated 18th March 2026

Royal Borough of Greenwich

Town & Country Planning Act 1990 (AS AMENDED)

Town & Country Planning (Development Management Procedure)(England) Order 2015 Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (AS AMENDED) Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 (AS AMENDED) Town & Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 2007 (AS AMENDED)

Notice is hereby given that application(s) have been made to The Royal Borough of Greenwich in respect of the under mentioned premises/sites. You can see the submissions and any plans at http://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/planning.

If development proposals affect Conservation Areas and/or Statutorily Listed Buildings under the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Area) Act 1990 (As Amended) this will be shown within the item below.

Anyone who wishes to comment on these applications should be made in writing to Development Planning within 21 days of the date of this notice.

Please quote the appropriate reference number.

Date: 18/03/2026

Victoria Geoghegan

Assistant Director - Planning and Building Control

List of Press Advertisements - 18/03/2026

Publicity for Planning Applications

Applicant: Podium Surveying LLP

25/2891/F

Site Address: 46 PRINCE RUPERT ROAD, LONDON, SE9 1LS

Development: Replacement of the front door.

Conservation Area: PROGRESS ESTATE

Applicant: M Burrow 25/4208/HD

Site Address: 81 BLACKHEATH PARK, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 0EU

Development: Demolition of existing boundary wall and erection of replacement with associated works.

Conservation Area: BLACKHEATH PARK

Applicant: Mr Grant Corton

25/4273/F

Site Address: 70 ROYAL HILL, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8RF

Development: Proposal for installation of roof access safety metal guardrails and ladders, application of a thin coat self coloured render to single storey brick elevation and courtyard entrance and raising of the roof level of the ground floor extension to north.

Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH

Applicant: Whitehall Place Properties Ltd.

25/4309/F

Site Address: 100A GREENWICH HIGH ROAD, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8JE

Development: Conversion of existing two self-contained flats (Use Class C3) within the property into a single family dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) including construction of a rear extension, refuse and cycle storage provision, replacement of two windows to the rear elevation, repointing and brick coping renewed, new steel gate to the front garden with a new front wall, internal alterations and repairs and other associated works (this affects the setting of the Grade II listed building). [Amended Description, Re-consultation]

Conservation Area: ASHBURNHAM TRIANGLE

Applicant: Linden Hill - Capital Homes - SDG Limited 26/0394/O

Site Address: 3-5 TUNNEL AVENUE, GREENWICH, SE10 0SL

Development: Outline planning application (siting, scale and access) for a one-storey upwards extension to existing building comprising of 9no. additional student accommodation units, extension to existing third floor footprint and associated works (Development site is within the setting of the Grade II Listed East Greenwich Library and the Grade II Listed Former East Greenwich Fire Station). IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST

Applicant: Messrs Mak and Kennedy 26/0434/HD

Site Address: 15 VANBRUGH FIELDS, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 7TZ

Development: Construction of a single storey rear extension with dual pitched roof and installation of a skylight. Replacement of first floor side window with associated works.

Conservation Area: GREENWICH PARK

Applicant: Mr Wojciech Kaminski 26/0506/MA

Site Address: 70A SIDCUP ROAD, LONDON, SE12 8BW

Development: An application submitted under Section 73 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 for a minor material amendment in connection with the planning permission 19/1210/F dated 21/06/2019 for the demolition of existing garage and construction of a 2-storey, 2-bed semi-detached dwellinghouse to allow:

- Amendment to Condition 2 (Approved Drawings) and Condition 9 (Refuse and Recycling) where approved drawing numbers A1503-03-P2 and A1503-201-P1 are superseded by new drawing numbers 1000-C9-001 Rev 00 and 1000-C9-001 Rev 00 to allow the retention of the existing outbuilding as constructed and serve as the refuse and cycle storage facility. (Re-consultationAmended Address) IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST

Applicant: Mr Roman Khrabatyn 26/0552/HD

Site Address: 13 MANTHORP ROAD, PLUMSTEAD, LONDON, SE18 7SZ

Development: Construction of outbuilding at the rear garden ancillary to the main dwellinghouse.

Conservation Area: PLUMSTEAD COMMON

Applicant: NTA Planning LLP 26/0630/HD

Site Address: 14 CROOMS HILL, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8ER

Development: Removal of the non-original side garage, construction of a new replacement garage; excavate the existing brick basement vault, extend the existing basement to the rear and rebuild/repair, introducing two brick vaults to connect to existing; construction of new basement level under existing north wing to house plant and services equipment for Air Source Heat Pump and Water Tank; single storey rear extension beyond the reconstructed garage; removal of the existing outbuildings to the rear to accommodate a single storey structure; installation of lightweight glazed roof over part of stepped roof of north wing; internal alterations and associated plant; introduction of an Air Source Heat pump and enclosure to the rear garden; proposed new front gate across driveway; replacement windows and doors internally and some externally; landscaping works to the rear garden including the introduction of a swimming

ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1) SPARROWS LANE PLANNED ROAD CLOSURE (ORDER)

2. The Order will come into operation on 23rd March 2026 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to be completed by 27/03/2026. The duration of the Order can be extended with the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport.

7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich Directorate of Communities, Environment and Central via email to street.works@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.

Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport.

The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ

INTERNAL REF - EM/ LA498159 FN872 /LIC No 75672 / 19/01/2026 13:30

pond and other associated alterations. (The proposed works would affect the Grade II listed building).

Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH

Applicant: Akshat Shrivastava 26/0651/HD

Site Address: 33 PARKGATE, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 9XF

Development: Construction of a single storey rear garden room outbuilding ancillary to the dwellinghouse with associated works.

Conservation Area: BLACKHEATH PARK

Applicant: Mr. McCarthy-Little 26/0669/HD

Site Address: 48 SHOOTERS HILL ROAD, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 7BG

Development: Replacement of roof tiles to natural slate and skylights with rooflights and associated works.

Conservation Area: BLACKHEATH

Applicant: The Royal Parks 26/0751/SD

Site Address: ROYAL PARKS, GREENWICH PARK, BLACKHEATH AVENUE, GREENWICH, SE10 8QY

Development: Submission of details pursuant to discharge condition 4 (Archaeological) of planning permission reference 24/0367/L dated 05/04/2024.

Conservation Area: GREENWICH PARK

Applicant: James and Kat Pont and Gosling 26/0760/HD

Site Address: 102 WOODHILL, WOOLWICH, LONDON, SE18 5JL

Development: Demolition and construction of the single-storey rear extension, replacement of all windows to the rear and removal of render with associated works.

Conservation Area: WOOLWICH COMMON

Publicity for Listed Building Consent.

Applicant: Whitehall Place Properties Ltd. 25/4310/L

Site Address: 100A GREENWICH HIGH ROAD, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8JE

Goods vehicle operator’s licence

Royal Borough of Greenwich of Birchmere Centre, Eastern Way, London SE28 8BF is applying to change an existing licence as follows:

To keep an extra 30 goods vehicles and 0 trailers at the operating center at Birchmere Centre, Eastern Way, London SE28 8BF.

Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre (s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7UE, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice.

Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice.

A Guide to Making Representations is available at www.gov.uk/object-hgv-operator-licence.

Conservation Area: ASHBURNHAM TRIANGLE

Listed Building: Grade 2

Applicant: NTA Planning LLP 26/0631/L

Site Address: 14 CROOMS HILL, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8ER

images.

Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH

School children shed light on temporary accommodation through powerful animated film

Children from Plumcroft Primary School have been thanked with prizes and certificates at a recent event at Woolwich Town Hall after creating a powerful animated film based on their personal experiences of living in temporary accommodation.

The event comes five months after the council was ‘highly commended’ in the London Homelessness Awards for its partnership with social enterprise Creating Ground CIC, which supports families living in temporary accommodation.

Last July, the council reduced the number of families in hotel or BnB temporary accommodation from a peak of 161 in January 2024 to zero.

The six-minute animation, The Snow Inn Hotel, was developed through drama and storytelling workshops held with the children last summer, led by drama therapist Erene Kaptani and animated by artist Lucie Vyhnálkova.

Voiced by the children, many of whom have experienced homelessness, the animal characters in the film explore the realities of temporary accommodation from a child’s perspective, including feeling responsible for losing their homes, making new friends, long journeys to school, relying on takeaways and living in cold, draughty conditions.

Cllr Pat Slattery, Cabinet Member for Housing Management, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, said: “We know that temporary accommodation can be extremely challenging for children and families which is why we worked tirelessly to get those numbers right down. This animation is a stark and poignant reminder for us all to continue to put children’s needs at the centre of our work to tackle homelessness.

“I’d like to thank the children and Creating Ground for putting this animation together and giving us adults a real insight into how these experiences felt for them.”

Watch the Snow Inn Hotel: www.theground.org.uk/animation

Get on the list

First, you’ve got to be on the housing waiting list to join the scheme. If you’re not, register an application online at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/homes

Find your applicant number

It will be on the letter you’ve already had from the Royal Borough of Greenwich about the new scheme. You’ll need that number and the reference number of the property you’re after, which will be on the advert.

Pick out your ideal property by looking in Greenwich Info or regularly checking the website: royalgreenwich.gov. uk/homes. Click on your preference on the website. If you don’t have a computer, you can always use one for free at either The Eltham or Woolwich Centre or a local library.

Apply in one of three ways

• Text bidding is now available and the number to use is 07786207913. For further information please see page 2, or

• Via the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s website royalgreenwich.gov.uk/homes or

• Phone the 24-hour hotline 020 8921 4340. It’s an automatic push-button system and calls will be charged at the normal local rate

HOW TO BID FOR ADVERTISED PROPERTIES BY TEXT

If you would like to bid by text, please use the following Text Bidding Number: 0778 620 7913 and type:

CBL, the property reference number and your applicant number.

The property reference will be on the advert and your applicant number is on the letter we sent to you when you registered for housing.

A successful bid will look like this: CBL 179104 12191

You will need to do a separate text for each property you wish to bid for and the text is charged at your mobile provider’s standard rate. You will receive a text response to confirm your bid within 5 minutes.

If you are unable to bid for advertised properties and have no one that can do so for you please contact the Allocations team on 020 8921 2941 and we will help you with bidding or will bid on your behalf. If you are in temporary accommodation, then please contact your Temporary Accommodation Officer for help with this.

Please be aware that users must now enter the date of birth of the main applicant when logging into this site. royalgreenwich.gov.uk/homes

Choice based lettings hotline

BIDDING FOR PROPERTIES

People on the Housing register are able to bid for all properties, regardless of their banding. You must be eligible for the size of property and bids will be considered in the following order: First Band A, followed by Band B1/B2 both in priority date order. Those in Band C will then be considered in registration date order. Please note that there will still be some properties with age restrictions so only people of this age group can apply for these.

A is for applicants in unsatisfactory housing, including people moving due to demolition and those under occupying their homes.

BAND

B1 or B2 is for applicants the Royal Borough of Greenwich must prioritise according to the law, particularly homeless people, and others with an urgent need to move for medical or welfare reasons.

SEASIDE & COUNTRY SCHEME

This scheme offers one and two bedroom flats and bungalows on the Coast and in the countryside, in the South East and West of England. In order to be considered you must be:

• A Council or Housing Association tenant

• At least 55 years old. If you intend to add a household member under the age of 55 they must be either your spouse, current joint tenant, registered carer or dependent adult child.

Your removal costs will be met if you are a Council tenant and you do move to a Seaside and Country home.

To register, or find out more about the scheme, contact the Access and Allocation section on: 020 8921 2941

If you are a Housing Association tenant you need to contact your landlord to register. Further information is available from the scheme management organisation at housingmoves.org

C is for all applicants on the housing register, including those that are in priority bands A and B1/B2.

The next printed edition of Greenwich Homes will be available on 1 April 2026 at midday. Closing date for all applications for this issue is midnight on 22 March 2026.

Berthon

Hemmings House Wellington Street SE18 6ZJ

Pender

Chidgey

Chidgey Heights Bishop Bennett Square SE18 5BL

Chidgey

Blann Close SE9 5JJ

Tibbles House Southlake Road SE28 0PQ

Tibbles

Pender House John Harrison Way SE10 0UY

Pender

Pender House

Pender

Sandling Rise SE9 3AU

ALL

households can bid for all types of property subject to meeting the bedroom size and any medical requirements.

MOVE TO A SMALLER PROPERTY

If your property is now too big for you, you can apply for the Small is Beautiful scheme.

To be eligible, your current property must:

• be a council or housing association property

• have 2, 3, 4 or 5 bedrooms

• be in the Royal Borough of Greenwich

The scheme can help you move to a smaller home that better meets your needs. We can then use your property to help another family who need it. For example, those in an overcrowded property or who are homeless.

WHAT YOU’LL GET

We’ll help you with costs and finding a new home that better meets your needs.

Financial benefits

We’ll pay:

• £1,000 for each spare room you give up

• an extra £500 if you downsize by mutual exchange

• your moving costs

• your disturbance costs, for example, for packing, disconnecting and reconnecting your appliances

Priority to find a new home

We’ll put your household in the highest priority band on the housing register so you can find a new home as soon as possible.

An Under Occupation Adviser will support you throughout the downsizing process.

Extra support for households with adult children

If you have non-dependant adult children living with you, we can offer them their own flat, if we can get a bedroom back. This means you and your adult child will each get a one-bedroom flat.

Extra support for older tenants

If you’re Pension Credit age you can downsize to a home with one extra bedroom to allow for caring or support needs.

We can visit you and support you with everything you need to downsize.

WHO CAN APPLY

You can apply if you’re under-occupying your home by at least one bedroom.

When we decide if a tenant is under-occupying, we count a second living room (or parlour) as a bedroom.

APPLY

Email: Housing-Allocations-Downsizing@ royalgreenwich.gov.uk

OTHER DOWNSIZING OPTIONS

If you’re 55 or over, you could also consider moving to the seaside or countryside.

This could be for you if you’re:

• in poor health

• struggling to cope in your current home

• keen to move nearer to friends, family or amenities

You can also contact us if you know other tenants who might benefit from this scheme.

Find out about moving to the seaside or country.

Greenwich Council (in foyer)

6 Mitre Passage, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 0ER

Greenwich Theatre

Crooms Hill, London SE10 8ES

West Greenwich House

141 Greenwich High Road London SE10 8JA

West Greenwich Library

146 Greenwich High Road, London SE10 8NN

Royal Standard

67 Pelton Road, London SE10 9AH

Forum@Greenwich Trafalgar Road, London SE10 9EQ

Greenwich University

Cooper Building, Students Union, King William Walk, London SE10 9JH

Greenwich Communications Centre

164 Trafalgar Road Greenwich, London SE10 9TZ

Maze Hill Station

Tom Smith Close, London SE10 9XG

Blackheath Library

Old Dover Road, Blackheath SE3 7BT

Westcombe Park Station

Station Crescent, Westcombe Park, London SE3 7EQ

Blackheath Newbridge Working Mens Club

22 Charlton Road, Blackheath SE3 7HG

Waitrose

Dreadnought Wharf, Victoria Parade, 1 Thames Street, Greenwich, London SE10 9FR

Greenwich Square Health Centre

12 Lambarde Square SE10 9GB

Woodland Surgery

Woodland Walk SE10 9UB

Vanbrugh Dental Centre Vanbrugh Hill SE10 9HQ

Greenwich Launderette

174 Trafalgar Road SE10 9TZ

Slade Library

Erindale SE18 2QQ

Woolwich Community Centre

Leslie Smith Square SE18 4DW

Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Station Road, London SE18 4QH

Clockhouse Community Centre

Defiance Walk, Woolwich Dockyard Estate SE18 5QL

Waterfront Leisure Centre

Woolwich High Street SE18 6DL

McDonald’s

56-58 Powis Street SE18 6LQ

Greenwich University 54-58 Powis Street SE18 6NL

Woolwich Centre

35 Wellington Street SE18 6PW

Post Room Woolwich Service Centre

Wellington Street SE18 6PW

Town Hall

Wellington Street SE18 6PW

Woolwich Centre Library 21 Love Lane SE18 6QT

Brookhill Children’s Centre

130 Brookhill Road SE18 6UZ

Charlton Athletic Football Club

Reception The Valley, Floyd Road SE7 8BL

Time Court

Woodland Terrace SE7 8DD

Charlton Library

Charlton House, Charlton Road SE7 8RE

Gllab Work and Learn Centre

Old library Calderwood Street SE18 6QW

The Point

47 Woolwich New Road, SE18 6EW

Smile With Pride Dental Care Ltd 81A Powis Street SE18 6JB

Equitable House

General Gordon Place SE18 6AB

St.Marks Medical Centre 24 Wrottesley Road SE18 3EP

Plumstead Library

Plumstead High Street SE18 1JL

Greenwich Community College 95 Plumstead Road SE18 7DQ

Glyndon Community Centre 75 Raglan Road SE18 7LB

Abbey Wood Community Group 4 Knee Hill, SE2 0YS

Abbey Wood Library Eynsham Drive SE2 9PT

Thamesmead Leisure Centre

Thamesmere Drive SE28 8RE

Gallions Housing Association 90 Titmuss Avenue SE28 8HL

Conway Medical Centre 44 Conway Road SE18 1AH

Basildon Road Surgery

111 Basildon Road SE2 0ER

Heronsgate Medical Centre

Goosander Way SE28 0ER

Middle Park Community Centre

150 Middle Park Avenue SE9 5SD

Vista Childrens Centre

Middle Park Avenue SE9 5SD

City Point Concierge Suite

Campbell Court, Meadowside, Kidbrooke SE3 9XT

Kidbrooke Dental Centre

Telemann Square SE3 9YR

Briset Corner Surgery 591 Westhorne Avenue SE9 6JX

Eltham Centre & Eltham Library

2 Archery Road SE9 1HA

Cold Harbour Library

Wiliam Barefoot Drive SE9 3AY

Cold Harbour Leisure Centre

Chapel Farm Road SE9 3LX

New Eltham Library

Southwood Road SE9 3QT

Eltham Community Hospital

30 Passey Place SE9 5DQ

52 Well Hall Road

52 Well Hall Road SE9 6SH