Further Royal Arsenal Gatehouse details submitted covering upcoming changes
A number of planning applications have been submitted covering upcoming changes to the Royal Arsenal Gatehouse in Woolwich.
Earlier this week I looked at how things are shaping up at Beresford Square beside the structure where some major changes are underway, and today a check online has shown details in for the Gatehouse as part of the same overall “Future High Streets” project.
Formerly the main entrance to the Ministry of Defence’s sprawling Arsenal site, the Gatehouse saw separation from the main site when the A206 dual carriageway was constructed immediately to the north.
It was threatened with demolition as part of road widening before an eventual reprieve and listing.
It then sat somewhat isolated and unloved for years until refurbished and opened by the Greenwich Enterprise Board in 1996, as a plaque inside shows.
But despite that public access through the site has firmly been off limits. Normally the above plaque isn’t visible as gates are closed, though that’s set to change with pedestrian access through the building.
As part of that work new fencing will be installed within the structure itself beside the central passage.
Here’s an example of just one application now submitted which covers changes, which is also set to include an extension to the sides.
This application covers materials to be used.
Missed potential?
When plans were initially unveiled there was word of a potential gallery though that’s gone quiet.
For years I’ve thought this key site between the Arsenal and Woolwich town centre would make an excellent bar/cafe/pub to link the two areas and bring additional footfall to the square alongside outside seating.
It’s not happening. The current workspaces for hire will remain. A real shame as that’s hardly going to attract substantial footfall to the area compared to commercial use and frankly a small number of workspaces could be accommodated elsewhere without much impact. The Council themselves were planning to lease out space in the Woolwich Centre.
The current user is Greenwich Enterprise Board which have had close links to the council for many years.
Another regret is fencing off two of three passages through the sight via the installation of new fencing. Opening the central arch is welcome but new fences either close off the surrounding two. The shiny renders in 2022 never showed that.
All in all then some welcome changes but hard not to see this as a missed opportunity to really invigorate this part of Woolwich.
There’s certainly obstacles to overcome but ultimately it’s a pretty conservative change and not embracing the evident potential after millions of external funding was awarded.
Maybe that’s for the next upgrade in a decade.
A huge wasted opportunity as you say. A cafe or commercial space could have been the catalyst to bridge the divide by enticing people across the road. Hopefully the new pavilion will go some way in making up for it. It may be that this scheme is seen a short term solution to at least do something, and longer term it can be opened up fully for public use. It’s infuriating that the current tenants are being allowed to hold the building hostage.
It is frustrating particularly as the existing users have close links to the council who presumably would like to maximise assets in the area to benefit the town. I mean many millions are being spent. Make the most of it!
The pavilion will have a café but looks to be a daytime-only affair.
Absolutely, seems crazy not to make the most of it, surely even Greenwich council can see the benefit it would have! I can just imagine it being a cafe bar, open late, tables outside, the life if would bring to the square. Who knows, maybe they did want to do all that, and someone/thing dodgy is preventing them. If I was them I’d be using all the avenues possible to fight for it.