Woolwich Royal Arsenal Gatehouse: Future plans revealed
Plans are in for the Royal Arsenal gatehouse in Woolwich with conversion to exhibition space proposed.
In some ways this is disappointing given long stated aims to improve Woolwich’s nightlife.
It’s just weeks since Woolwich was designated as a night time enterprise zone targeted at improving nightlife and the evening economy. Something Woolwich badly lacks.
Greenwich Council are proposing an exhibition space with external alterations to the structure.
The Gatehouse site appears absolutely ideal as a small pub/bar to bring additional footfall and life to Beresford Square both day and night, and act as a link to the Royal Arsenal into Woolwich.
Something akin to the Euston Tap would be brilliant at linking the two sides of town.
It’s location would help frame the space particular into the evening hours.
It’s currently used to lease office space to the Greenwich Enterprise Board with extremely close links to Greenwich Council, but is that likely to generate more life and buzz to Woolwich than a bar/restaurant/pub?
Limited office space could be relocated elsewhere in the town centre freeing up a building which could be a huge asset. Instead Greenwich Council seek to retain that use upstairs.
The Gatehouse is listed but sensitive changes could be made, as we’ve seen at many other sites.
Indeed, in the 1990s substantial internal changes were made to the listed building.
Greenwich Council do plan a café in a new pavilion type building nearby, but it won’t stay open late.
The Gatehouse itself was in line for demolition with dual carriageway plans in the 1960s. Many other buildings were flattened though it gained listed status, forcing the dual carriageway to run to the north where it remains.
It’s not hard to imagine it as a key hub and attraction for Woolwich both day and night. As much as change of use is welcome, does it really capture the potential of the building and its location?
To the north of the building raised planters are proposed which could inhibit space for a future segregated cycle lane.
You can read about changes to Beresford market next door here, which includes plans for a water feature, extensive landscaping alongside market stalls relocated outside Poundstretcher.
Proposals for a pavilion building have also been covered here.
Oh that is a shame. I’m sure a small exhibition space is nice but it’s something to look in, see everything in five minutes and leave. It’s not a major pull for the town which this building could be.
As for GEB who use it now, it pretty much *is* a council organisation though for legal reasons they can’t really see that. You only have to look at how the former council leader was on the GEB board at the same time. Royal borough of Greenwich hold a lot of sway and I’m sure could have and should do more to create something that uses the entire building to bring in both people from afar and those locally both in the Arsenal and other areas. It’s a site tailor made for such a purpose.
They’ve made mistakes in the town centre for decades in understanding what people want and what works and I fear are doing it again.
Will it be an exhibition of the town’s history after they evicted the Heritage centre and borough archives to an industrial unit with limited public access? Please tell me it isn’t supposed to be an alternative to that.
I’d love something like the Euston tap. The square would be suitable a thriving space situated between Powis Street shops, stations, housing and the Arsenal development. Woolwich needs much better nightlife and recently obtains revenue from the Mayor for that purpose then the council propose a cafe and not using this space? So the revamped square will have a Poundstretcher, a not very good pub and this tiny exhibition space. Dealing with Greenwich is like a little child. They’re trying bless em.
Will it be an exhibition of the town’s history after they evicted the Heritage centre and borough archives to an industrial unit with limited public access? Please tell me it isn’t supposed to be an alternative to that.
I’d love something like the Euston tap. The square would be suitable a thriving space situated between Powis Street shops, stations, housing and the Arsenal development. Woolwich needs much better nightlife and recently obtains revenue from the Mayor for that purpose then the council propose a cafe and not using this space? So the revamped square will have a Poundstretcher, a not very good pub and this tiny exhibition space. Dealing with Greenwich is like a little child. They’re trying bless em.
Understand a liking for craft beers like the Euston Tap and a continental style of cafe life outside, but Woolwich isn’t exactly Euston. There is a problem with anti-social behaviour which authorities seem to have difficulty handling sympathetically. So exhibition space as a gallery with liquid refreshments available could be an answer to attract more ‘desirables’? Also, have to comment on the artist’s impression with the kids tip-toeing through a field of wildflowers haha. Are they serious? RBG can’t even look after shrubs or de-littering greened patches which need little maintenance, let alone re-seed annually a flower garden where children cleverly tiptoe along rocks between the daisies.
I agree with Mr D Small. Sadly Woolwich is not Euston
To improve the night life in and around Woolwich Town Centre they really do need to tackle the anti social behaviour. So people feel safe and want to visit Woolwich at night. As a Woolwich resident I want to see Woolwich become a great town centre again day and night
But if a pub were to open in the Gatehouse, what would happen to the Old Gun Pit and the Elephant and Castle? Would they remain, and we have Beresford Square flanked on *three* sides by pubs? That seems like a lot. Or is the idea in the long-run to slowly get rid of the existing two?
with you on that Graham, wish the council were always too.
A good point Sam, anybody aware of the answer?
Another missed opportunity. Something like the Euston Tap would have made for a great spot which would attract visitors into the evening. There is already ample event space within Woolwich Works which is rarely used to its potential.
To those who say there are other pubs in the square, they cater to a completely different market. One devoid of craft drinks or anything beyond the most basic of beverages.
Agree with Sacha. Something could be created here that differs a fair amount from existing nearby pubs. I have no problem with an exhibition space in Woolwich as it’s stuffed with great artists but here? It isn’t quite the same in terms of drawing people to the town throughout the evening. Ideal for a unit nearby but not the Gatehouse which screams out to be a centrepiece of food and drink linking both sides of Woolwich.