Woolwich market square fenced off as revamp design details revealed
Over the past week plans for a major transformation of Woolwich town centre have moved forward as Beresford Square was fenced off.
Market traders have been moved out as the project speeds up, and this week sees detail of materials that will be used.
Some of the granite paving installed at high cost will be reused but not all. This is what’s planned:
It’s not as bright as the last revamp (at installation anyway) which was poorly suited to a market, stained easily and required heavy upkeep which wasn’t forthcoming.
It also wasn’t well maintained when dug up. Greenwich will need to up their game.
The square’s name will be installed. If ever dug up I look forward to seeing ESFBERORD SQUARE below my feet.
Market traders are moving to a spot closer to the DLR before work is complete, when stalls will line the western half of the new space.
Instead of temporary stalls dismantled each night they’ll be permanent structures. Though according to this the lighter paving will still be around the stalls. Not sure that makes much sense.
Shifting them all opens up a path to the Gatehouse and then onto the Royal Arsenal site.
Fountains and a landscaped area sits in the middle. If you want to see an in-depth look at what’s proposed and various renders click here.
Nightlife
Will this area in time become busier at night as has long been the plan?
Sadly there’s been no movement to restore the Ordnance Arms / Old Gun Pit pub facing Beresford Square. That was covered on this site back in March 2022.
It’d be great to see restored with outside seating facing the square –
Following hot on the heels of Beresford Square work will be Powis Street – or at least the eastern half. Work there is due to start next month.
