Woolwich pub the King’s Arms almost gone

Woolwich pub the King’s Arms is now almost entirely demolished after a long-period of application for new flats.

As it looked

Plans for demolition were approved in 2015 before a revised application was submitted in 2017, which were covered here.

2017 plan

That plan was approved in 2019 and will see 19 flats and a replacement pub. Whether anyone ever takes it on is another matter. Possibly expect a change to commercial use in future.

The pub was well known for being bombed by the IRA in 1974 killing two and injuring 35.

Earlier this year it was revealed that no inquests were completed as two men were falsely convicted.

The two victims – Richard Dunne  and Alan Horsley – are etched onto plaques at St George’s Chapel in Woolwich, as well as included in a book of remembrance in Woolwich Town Hall.

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J Smith

I've lived in south east London most of my life growing up in Greenwich borough and working in the area for many years. The site has contributors on occasion and we cover many different topics. Living and working in the area offers an insight into what is happening locally.

9 thoughts on “Woolwich pub the King’s Arms almost gone

  • I am looking forward to seeing the old Kings Arms site being redeveloped after all this time.

    As you say if some one takes on the new pub remains to be seen in these currrent and difficult times for businesses. A larger pub chain may possibly take it on. However, the residents themselves may prefer a another use for the ground floor space due to noise from the pub etc.

    It may be converted to commerical use for office or retail space at a later date if they are no takers for the pub I guess. It will be interesting to see what happens when the development is completed.

    Reply
    • Shame tbey didnt etch Lee Rigbys name in the chapel too.

      Reply
      • There isa memorialin the Garrison Church. However, I do believe there should be a public memorial for Lee Rigby as he truely deserves a much better memorial. I always thought a memorial could be placed on the green by the Guard House as this is manned and guarded 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

        Although people should have the common decency to leave anyones memorials alone and give them the respect they deserve whoever the memorial is for.

        Reply
    • The ground floor could be possibly a miixture of further flats and possibly a residents gym and or residents laundry room. If it does not become a pub or other commerical space.

      Reply
      • I like the idea of a residents gym and laundry room. Most flats now have the kitchen as part of the main living area. So having a washing machine spinning why you are trying to listen to the TV or favourite CD can be a little annoying i guess unless they have utility rooms. .

        Reply
  • I think the developers will keep the development as originally planned and hope that a new pub in opened on the site. Failing that I guess it will become commercial premises.

    Reply
  • @CDT: utility rooms! Not when every inch of space costs money. You are lucky if your new flat has anything other than a windowless wet room. You are expected to eat, live and sleep in what is in reality, a very small space.

    @Kevin: Woolwich has a lot of empty retail space. I don’t see the point of including it in residential developments. Covid-19 has dealt a severe blow to the economy and many businesses with a street front presence won’t survive. Consequently, there is going to be more empty units than ever.

    Reply

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