Greenwich (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Plans to transform the former Greenwich Town Hall into build-to-rent flats move forward, as the redevelopment edges closer to planning approval.
Plans to renovate the Grade II listed property on Greenwich High Road were presented in 2022 by Riverlow, a real estate investment and development company. 73 residential units would be built as part of the project.
The vacant area has been unoccupied since 2019.The Greenwich Council has now stated that it has approved the plans in principle and is only awaiting “community benefits” from Riverlow.
A council spokesperson said:
“The council’s planning committee has agreed in principle to proposals for 148 Greenwich High Road, which include new homes designed to meet local needs, and flexible commercial spaces which can be used for workspace, community facilities or retail.
With applications of this nature, it’s our mission to enhance the surrounding area for both current and future residents, creating a safe, attractive and vibrant neighbourhood. Formal planning permission will only be issued once a legal agreement, which secures these community benefits, is finalised.”
Meridian House, a famous local structure, was constructed as Greenwich Town Hall in 1938.
Its characteristic brick-facing front and 55.9-meter-tall clock tower are its distinguishing characteristics.
The clock tower’s observation deck, which hasn’t been accessible to the public for over 50 years, will be renovated and reopened at least once a year as part of the plans.
The proposed employment space, a single ground and first floor unit facing Greenwich High Road, is the other public space included in the renovation. It can be used as an office, co-working space, bike hub, or a variety of smaller workshops.
Eleven of the 73 residential units built for rental purposes would be reasonably priced. Apartments are separated into one-bedroom and two-bedroom options, with sizes ranging from those that can house a single person to those that can house a family of four.
Among its acts are rock groups The Who and Squeeze, the latter of which debuted on stage there in 1975, a year commemorated by a blue plaque on the side of the building.
What heritage issues have Historic England brought up with the plans?
There are concerns that the conversion may change or harm the town hall’s distinctive architectural features and character-defining elements because it is a Grade II-listed Art Deco building. The building’s heritage value depends on its historic fabric being preserved.
The small number of affordable apartments in the development plans has drawn criticism from Historic England and other housing and heritage organizations. This affects the site’s legacy and social heritage, which historically served public purposes.
Concerns have been raised about preserving some public use of the building given its former civic function. Limiting public access, except for occasional openings of the clock tower, risks diminishing its role as a community landmark.