£35m Woolwich Works creative district reveals autumn line-up after 23 September opening

The first month’s line up at Woolwich Works has been revealed upon opening on September 23rd 2021.

You can view the line up here. Names I recognise include Reginald D. Hunter playing Gil Scott Heron alongside National Jazz Orchestra and Sara Pascoe.

Not much more to be honest, but I’m probably past it. I havn’t been to a gig in about three years (granted, half of that is covid) though I tend to go to mon-mainstream stuff.

A comedy night costs from £21.50. That may seem a little steep for somewhere like Woolwich perhaps? I’m used to £8 at the Amersham Arms in New Cross.

I’d be interested in what people think. Is it going to draw in local people, alongside people from across London and beyond?

Woolwich Works occupies a number of buildings and includes:

• An 1800-capacity venue (standing)
• A courtyard with seating for up to 600 people
• five rehearsal studios
• artists’ studios and offices
• A cafe/bar

Greenwich Council have spent £35 million on the project and will hope it works, for their finances if nothing else. It’s a substantial amount for an authority that has seen cuts.

Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy income has not gone towards funding according to a Freedom of Information request.

The borough’s archive and museum was evicted to make way for the space, and saw greatly curtailed access since.

I’d be interested to know if relatively niche events and genres do appeal, and if they do not whether it’ll pivot more towards mass-market friendly events.