Plans to increase events at new 4,400 capacity Greenwich venue from 83 to 200 a year
Plans for a new 4,400 capacity music and entertainment venue on the Greenwich Peninsula were recently approved on 24th July.
Now there are proposals to increase the annual number of events from 83 to 200.
The plan had previously been covered here.
This site is separate to the o2 with developer Knight Dragon behind the plan. The o2 is operated by AEG.
According to plans before the council’s Planning Board next week: “The amended condition shall read “The multi-purpose event centre hereby approved shall host conferences, award ceremonies, corporate parties, brand events, music concerts, exhibitions and associated events up to a maximum of 200 days per calendar year”.”
Groundhog day alert
The more events the merrier really yet there’s obvious overlap with events at the o2. Which wouldn’t be a problem is transport infrastructure was improving, yet:
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- Jubilee Line frequency increases were recently put on indefinite hold.
- Bus plans have possible cuts on some routes. The 472 in particular.
- Traffic will increase with the imminent opening of St Mary Magdalene school’s new buildings increasing students up to 1,650 and Ikea opening early in 2019.
- Walking to the nearest Southeastern rail station or east Greenwich isn’t the most pleasant. Some roads in the area do not even have paving. One side of Millennium Way sees paving stop close to the planned venue’s entrance.
Still, there’s always Tunnel Avenue leading right to the front door.
Maybe not.
Despite this, Greenwich Council’s Highways Department states:
“Transport and Highways note the good access to public transport and local parking restrictions and therefore raise no objection”.
Head south and this is the state of the area:
Maybe Greenwich just don’t expect anyone to walk or cycle there from east Greenwich or the closest rail stations. Which doesn’t make much sense given the amount of new homes and hotels planned in the area, such as a 300 room Travelodge.
In terms of the venue itself, it’d be superb to have greater choice of music events in the area given the o2 predominantly caters for large arena acts, yet infrastructure must keep up. At the very least, use some of the millions flowing in to make the area more enticing to pedestrians and cyclists.
Click here to see the updated plans.
I often use the cycle path on millenium way, but the amount of broken glass and number of punctures I’ve had is starting to deter me. Back to the bus perhaps!
Jack, don’t give in. If you’re running 700c wheels, for 23-25 width tyres/rims, get some Schwalbe Durano Plus. For anything wider, get some Schwalbe Marathon tyres. Both are fantastic.
Personally I’d rather use the Continental Touring+ I roll on the 700×32’s with PSI around 75 depending on the load and weather. Get the grip, as they say.