Woolwich Grade II-listed market building to be converted into mixed-use scheme

Proposals to create a sustainable new neighbourhood and transform the Grade II-listed Former Covered Market in Woolwich, South London, have been approved by the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Planning Board. 

Woolwich Exchange will deliver 801 high-quality homes, designed for flexible living, with space to live and work at home. The scheme will also provide new facilities for the community to use, including a nursery, children’s play areas, and offices and workspaces.

The regeneration will feature new green, public spaces at the heart of the site, with extensive planting, benches and outside seating available for cafés, bars and restaurants – offering a new, outdoor environment in the middle of Woolwich town centre, as well as promoting urban biodiversity.

The development will be one of the most sustainable in London, with innovative heating and cooling systems, which will see savings in CO2 emissions of over 50% compared to the requirements defined by building regulations. 

The approved plans for Woolwich Exchange will also retain the historic Former Covered Market on Plumstead Road, transforming the Grade II-listed building into a new five-screen Picturehouse cinema, cafés, bars and restaurants. 

Gary Morris, Development Director for St. Modwen Strategic Land & Regeneration said: “Woolwich Exchange is an ambitious regeneration that will transform this part of the town centre, while also respecting the area’s rich heritage. Adding a new cinema within the historic covered market building is going to be a spectacular addition to the area.

“From the beginning, it has been critical that we bring the community with us as we evolved our plans, and we would like to thank local residents who have shown our proposals such incredible support.”